Mets' Injured Superstar Could Still be Bench Option vs. Phillies

It appears that New York Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor could be returning to the field sooner than initially imagined.

Sep 4, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) talks to center fielder Harrison Bader (44) during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The New York Mets are without their arguable best player during the most crucial games of their 2024 regular season.

Of course, we're talking about shortstop Francisco Lindor, who has been sidelined due to a lower back injury for the past six games.

On Thursday, the Mets revealed that Lindor received a facet injection in his back because team doctors and trainers weren't feeling like the back ailment was healing as fast as they believed it should have.

One day later, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told the media that Lindor was making steady progress. And when he was asked whether there was a thought of targeting Tuesday for his star shortstop's return (since New York has an off day on Monday), Mendoza said, "Probably. That's the most likely scenario here."

While that was good for Mets fans to hear, it now appears that Lindor could return to the field even sooner than Tuesday.

Mendoza spoke to the media again before Sunday's NL East showdown with the Philadelphia Phillies. When asked whether Lindor could be available in a pinch-hitting opportunity today, he said, "We'll see," per SNY. "We'll see how the workout goes."

When asked whether it was realistic that Lindor might return Sunday, Mendoza added, "It's possible."

Carlos Mendoza says it's "possible" Francisco Lindor could be available as a pinch-hitter tonight: pic.twitter.com/zzOCQkJKrP

— SNY (@SNYtv) September 22, 2024

While the Mets surely aren't going to risk rushing Lindor back and re-aggravating the back injury, the fact that Mendoza is entertaining his potential return on Sunday bodes extremely well for the team.

Mets rookie Luisangel Acuña has performed extremely well in Lindor's absence. Yet, New York is still eager for their spark plug to return to the field.