QUEENS, NY — Francisco Lindor took two rounds of batting practice before quickly heading down the tunnel back into the Mets’ clubhouse on Sunday afternoon before his team’s series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Lindor’s Slow Return to the Field
What could have been seen as a potential red flag was given context by the star shortstop after New York’s thrilling 2-1 win.
“I accomplished what I wanted to,” Lindor said. “Every day I’m pushing it to the limit. I hit that limit, that was enough. The goal is to come in every day and work as hard as I can to reach that limit the trainers want me to. Then we go from there… Another slow step in the right direction.”
The Road to Recovery
Lindor’s return from an injured back is going slower than originally expected. The 30-year-old said himself that it would be a two-to-three or three-to-five-day absence after he was removed after the first inning during last Sunday’s loss to the Phillies in Philadelphia.
Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed optimism in recent days that Lindor could return to the lineup for Tuesday’s massive series opener against the Atlanta Braves, but the man himself was not quite sure to make such a declaration.
“It’s hard. I want to see how I wake up and bounce back [Monday],” Lindor said. “[Monday], I will continue to do more stuff and then go from there.”
Lindor’s Optimism
When asked whether or not he believed he would get back on the field before the regular season ends on Sept. 29 in Milwaukee, Lindor said that he was “optimistic.”
“I’m optimistic that I’m going to play,” he began. “I have a lot of faith… I believe I’m doing everything I can to try to be in a position where I can get back and play… I’m definitely improving. It’s slower than I would like.”
Manager’s Input
Over the past week of recovery, Lindor has taken ground balls, run on flat ground, and has hit lobbed baseballs. He has yet to run on the bases or face live pitching — just a few of the boxes that need to be checked off before he can return.
Even when he does come back, he will have to manage the discomfort.
“I’m pretty sure I don’t think I’m going to play pain-free and I’m OK with that,” Lindor said. “I just don’t want it to be a constant pain where I can’t bend over. Then I’m putting my teammates in a position where I’m not helping them as much as I can. That’s not fair to anybody. For me, it’s to be in a position where if it’s going to hurt, it’s going to come and go.”
Conclusion
The slow return to the field for Lindor is not ideal, but he and the team are taking necessary precautions to ensure his recovery. While it may be frustrating for fans and teammates alike, Lindor remains optimistic that he will return to the field before the end of the season.
FAQs
Q: Will Francisco Lindor be back on the field before the regular season ends?
A: Lindor expressed optimism about returning to the field, but a exact timeline has not been determined.
Q: How is Lindor’s injury progressing?
A: Lindor is making slow but steady progress, taking small steps to return to the field. He has not yet faced live pitching or run on the bases.
Q: Will Lindor be playing pain-free when he returns?
A: Lindor does not expect to play pain-free, but is aiming for a situation where the discomfort is manageable and does not affect his performance.
