Matt Johnson
The New York Mets welcomed All-Star outfielder Juan Soto back last week only to lose star shortstop Francisco Lindor to a calf strain in the same game. Unfortunately for New York, it appears that Lindor won’t be back on the field at Citi Field for a long time.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Mets are “privately expecting” for Lindor to be out until the middle of June.
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Lindor’s absence is obviously a blow for the Mets lineup. However, perhaps there’s some hope in New York that the time off may benefit the Silver Slugger Award winner long-term. Through his first 105 plate apeparances this season, Lindor was on pace for a career-worst season with a .226/.314/.35 triple-slash line.
The effects from surgery to repair his broken hamate bone in February seemed to be impacting him. So, there could be hope that rehabbing his calf strain for the next month-plus could also prove beneficial for his wrist to fully recover from February’s surgery and his swing can return to form.
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In the meantime, former top prospect Ronny Mauricio is filling in at shortstop. He’s posted a .286 batting average through his first 14 at-bats with 5 strikeouts but just a .286 SLG. If he struggles, Bo Bichette could be moved over to shortstop with Brett Baty and Mark Vientos seeing time at third base when Jorge Polanco comes off the injured list. However, that would come at the great expense of the Mets’ infield defense.
