Lindor could return for Mets' next homestand

August 16th, 2021

NEW YORK -- Mets manager Luis Rojas didn’t rule out shortstop being activated from the injured list by the time the team returns from its West Coast trip. The Mets will be back at Citi Field on Aug. 24 against the Giants.

Lindor, who has been out of commission since mid-July because of a Grade 2 right oblique strain, was seen working hard on Sunday afternoon, hours before the Mets played the Dodgers. Lindor was doing infield drills, and what was interesting was that he was diving for balls and making longer throws without any problems.

Lindor, who has posted a .228/.326/.376 slash line with 11 homers in his first season with the Mets, then took live batting practice from the right side of the plate and started running the bases. He was also able to take BP from the left side, but he swung at pitches from the BP coach. It's easy to understand why Rojas is optimistic about Lindor’s possible return.

Lindor will travel with the team to the West Coast and continue to face live pitching and do his fielding drills.

The team is not sure if Lindor will go on a rehab assignment soon thereafter. The Mets want to see how he responds at game speed, especially when he is swinging from the left side of the plate.

“Let’s see how he keeps responding. It’s exciting to see him out there having fun, smiling, shouting and doing all the things that he is doing,” Rojas said. “He looks the same as when he was playing. Let’s see more of that this week [and then make the decision] of a rehab assignment or [being back for the next homestand].”