PHILADELPHIA -- While Francisco Lindor remains likely to return from the injured list this week, he probably won’t suit back up for the Mets until at least Wednesday.
Lindor appeared in a second Minor League rehab game Sunday for Triple-A Syracuse, playing all nine innings while finishing 0-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored. Lindor also had several defensive chances at shortstop, including a double play.
Though Lindor has made steady progress from a strained left calf in recent weeks, manager Carlos Mendoza indicated the Mets would like to see him play back-to-back games before activating him. Because there are no Minor League games on Monday, the team is likely to achieve that by setting up a simulated game for Lindor at Citi Field. He would then take Tuesday as a rest day before potentially returning on Wednesday against the Cubs.
“He’s getting close,” Mendoza said.
Typically, two Minor League rehab games would not be enough for an everyday player to return after missing two months due to injury, but the Mets had set up a series of simulated games to prime Lindor leading into his rehab assignment. They are therefore comfortable having him return sooner rather than later.
In 24 games prior to his injury, Lindor was batting .226 with two home runs, two stolen bases and a .669 OPS. He will reassume starting shortstop duties upon his return, with Bo Bichette sliding over to third base and Brett Baty returning to a super sub role.