The New York Mets' playoff aspirations hit a bump on Sunday as they fell to the Philadelphia Phillies, but the bigger story was the ongoing health issues of star shortstop Francisco Lindor.
During the second inning of the game, Lindor exited due to recurring back discomfort—a troubling sign for the Mets given his importance to the team's success. This isn't Lindor's first brush with back issues; he missed Saturday's game entirely and left Friday's contest prematurely because of similar concerns. An MRI on Monday, however, offered some relief with initial results being described as encouraging.
Mets manager, in response to Lindor's condition, noted, "He could miss 'three to five days' or 'two to three,' depending upon how his back reacts in the next few days."
Lindor’s Impact this Season
Lindor's stats for the 2024 season have been impressive, underscoring his value to the Mets. He boasts a slash line of .271/.342/.494, complemented by 31 home runs, 39 doubles, and 27 stolen bases. Not only does he provide power at the plate, but his speed on the base paths and defensive prowess make him a critical asset for the team.
The shortstop's contributions were evident even in his limited play on Sunday. Leading off the game, Lindor singled to center and later showcased his defensive skills by throwing out Trea Turner in the first inning.
Playoff Picture
The loss to the Phillies holds additional weight as the Mets are in a tight race for the National League wild-card spot, currently tied with the Atlanta Braves. Interestingly, the Braves also suffered a loss on Sunday, so the standings remain locked in a tense battle. With Lindor's uncertain availability, the Mets will need to rally and find ways to win crucial games as the season winds down.
MVP Contention
While Lindor's contributions are undeniable, the National League MVP buzz is centered on another player—Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani's dual-role prowess on the mound and at the plate has made him the favorite for the award, but Lindor's performance remains a key storyline for Mets fans.
As the Mets look to navigate these final weeks of the season, all eyes will be on Lindor's recovery and the team's ability to cope without their star shortstop, at least in the short term. The coming days will be critical as the franchise looks to secure a playoff berth and make a deeper run in October.