Mets standout Francisco Lindor sits out his first game of the 2024 season.
For the first time in the 2024 season, New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor spent an entire game on the bench due to a back injury sustained in Friday’s win against the Philadelphia Phillies. The injury dashed his hopes of playing in all 162 games. However, what troubles the star most is missing the opportunity to compete alongside his teammates.
"Hopefully today helps me play the next 14 games we have left. It's always disappointing whenever you're not there to help the team. Yes, there is some level of disappointment that I wasn't there for the team"
– Francisco Lindor pic.twitter.com/HATB2t96mp
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 14, 2024
That sentiment seemed to be shared, as the Mets blew a 4-0 lead, losing 6-4 to the Phillies on Saturday. Despite his frustration, Lindor remains focused on the bigger picture as he navigates the disappointment of sitting out a key September game.
“Playing 162 games has never been my goal,” the four-time All-Star told the media, per SNY. “My goal is to be available every day… but I just want to play as many games as possible. Hopefully, today helps me play in the next 14 games we have left. It’s always disappointing when you’re not out there to help the team, and yes, there’s some frustration that I couldn’t contribute.”
Mets suffer a brutal loss in The Bank
Even though former top prospect Luisangel Acuna impressed in his MLB debut, the Mets could have benefited from having a healthy Francisco Lindor in the lineup, as their offense faded after a strong start in the first few innings. Jose Iglesias, rising slugger Mark Vientos, the revitalized Starling Marte, and rookie Acuna each recorded two hits (including a two-run RBI triple by Marte), but the Mets failed to score beyond the third inning.
Extended offensive droughts are costly when facing the team with the best record in MLB. Bryce Harper’s two-home-run performance helped the Phillies capitalize, scoring five of their six runs off New York’s bullpen in the later innings.
Lindor, who broke up a no-hitter with a home run and led a dramatic comeback in Wednesday’s win over the Blue Jays, could have provided a spark in Philadelphia. However, having an injured shortstop is the last thing the team needs during a critical playoff push.
New York will look to Francisco Lindor for the final stretch
The Mets (80-66) are gearing up for a critical three-game road series against the Atlanta Braves in just over a week. With both teams tied for the final National League Wild Card spot, this matchup could be pivotal in deciding who advances to the postseason and who heads to the golf course.
Francisco Lindor, the three-time Silver Slugger and two-time Gold Glove winner, needs to recover before this crucial series. Ideally, though, he would return to the lineup sooner. Lindor, a likely top-three MVP candidate, is hitting .270 with 31 home runs, 86 RBIs, 27 stolen bases, and an .834 OPS. After receiving mixed reviews during his first years in New York, he is catching fire just when the Mets need him most.
With several National League teams struggling or underperforming, the Mets have been one of the more exciting teams in the second half of the season. Under the leadership of new president of baseball operations David Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza, this “transition year” team is aiming for a fairytale finish to 2024.
Lindor’s status remains critical. He’s hopeful to feel better by Sunday but will reassess in the morning. Mets fans are anxiously awaiting updates.
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