Lindor (calf) expected to make Mets return before end of June

NEW YORK -- Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns reiterated on Friday that he expects Francisco Lindor back from the injured list before the end of June.

Lindor took live at-bats against a Minor League pitcher on Friday for the first time since straining his left calf muscle April 22. He also played two simulated innings at shortstop.

The simulated atmosphere allowed Lindor to progress in what manager Carlos Mendoza called a “controlled environment” at Citi Field. Lindor did not run the bases when he made contact during his live at-bats, and his defensive reps were limited to those he could make without overextending himself.

“We want to go as fast as possible, as smart as possible,” Stearns said, “and that’s a delicate line.”

The Mets expect to put Lindor through two similar workouts next week, increasing his defensive totals to three and then five innings. At the end of next week, they will decide on his next step, which could be a Minor League rehab assignment. Their hope is that by building Lindor up in a simulated environment, they will minimize the number of rehab games he needs.

“Our expectation is that he’s going to play games for us this month,” Stearns said. “I don’t know exactly when this month. But that means we’re getting closer.”

Lindor, 32, has been a top-of-the-order hitter for the Mets since coming to New York in a 2021 trade with the Guardians. Long one of the league’s most durable players, he has battled elbow, wrist and calf issues since the end of last season, resulting in two surgeries and a lengthy IL stint.

In 24 games prior to straining his calf, Lindor hit .226 with two home runs, two stolen bases and a .669 OPS. With backup Ronny Mauricio also injured, Bo Bichette has played every day at shortstop in Lindor’s stead. Once Lindor returns, Bichette figures to shift back to third base, with Brett Baty likely sliding back into a utility role.