Francisco Lindor Continues Progress Toward Mets Return
The New York Mets received another encouraging update on star shortstop Francisco Lindor, as president of baseball operations David Stearns reiterated Friday that he expects Lindor to return from the injured list before the end of June.
Lindor took a significant step forward in his recovery by facing a Minor League pitcher in live batting practice for the first time since suffering a left calf strain on April 22. He also participated in two simulated innings at shortstop as the Mets carefully manage his workload
The controlled workout at Citi Field allowed Lindor to test his progress without unnecessary risk. While he was able to take live swings, he did not run the bases after making contact, and his defensive work was limited to plays that did not require him to push beyond his current physical limits.
Stearns emphasized the importance of balancing urgency with caution during the rehabilitation process.
“We want to go as fast as possible, as smart as possible,” Stearns said. “And that’s a delicate line.”
The Mets plan to continue Lindor’s buildup next week with two additional simulated games. His defensive workload is expected to increase from three innings to five innings, helping the team evaluate how close he is to returning to competitive action.
Once those sessions are completed, New York will determine the next phase of his recovery, which could include a brief Minor League rehab assignment. The organization hopes that the extensive simulated work will reduce the number of rehab games required before Lindor rejoins the major league roster.
“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.”
The 32-year-old has been one of the Mets’ most important players since arriving from Cleveland in a blockbuster 2021 trade. Known throughout his career for his durability, Lindor has dealt with a series of injuries since late last season, including elbow, wrist, and calf issues that led to multiple surgeries and an extended stay on the injured list.
Before the calf injury sidelined him, Lindor appeared in 24 games and posted a .226 batting average with two home runs, two stolen bases, and a .669 OPS.
In his absence, Bo Bichette has handled shortstop duties on an everyday basis while Ronny Mauricio remains sidelined. Once Lindor returns, Bichette is expected to move back to third base, with Brett Baty likely shifting into a utility role as the Mets regain one of the key pieces of their lineup.
