If Lindor emerges from the workout setback-free, he will enter the final phase of his rehabilitation protocol. The next step will require him to clear “ramp-up” milestones, which involve a series of explosive, high-intensity baseball activities designed to test the durability of his recovery under unpredictable game-like stress.

The Mets have looked completely lost without their captain, stumbling to a miserable 10-21 record over the 31 games leading up to Wednesday’s contest. While Lindor’s bat serves as the centerpiece of the lineup, his vacuum in the clubhouse has been felt just as acutely, meaning his imminent return could provide the exact emotional spark this roster desperately needs.

Ahead of Wednesday’s first pitch, manager Carlos Mendoza hinted at yet another lineup shuffle. It feels like the latest roll of the dice for a skipper who has spent weeks searching for answers, exhausting options on a roster that simply hasn’t delivered.

Mets shuffling lineup With out-of-position replacement players

Compounding the issue, internal options are thin; promising infielder Ronny Mauricio remains sidelined on the injured list, leaving the Mets without a natural replacement at shortstop. Mendoza has been forced to plug the hole by shifting players like Bo Bichette and Vidal Brujan out of their primary positions to fill the void left by Lindor.

Those defensive musical chairs have cost New York dearly on the diamond. Despite an MVP-caliber campaign from superstar Juan Soto—who has carried the offense with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs—the Mets continue to beat themselves with costly mental errors and fundamental lapses in the field.

Now, with Lindor closing in on a return, the Mets must find a way to weather the storm before the season slips entirely out of reach. Getting their cornerstone back on the field is the first major step toward salvaging what has been a deeply disappointing regular season campaign.

“Francisco Lindor has started running and doing baseball activities,” the manager revealed to the press. He also said that A. J. Minter might be activated off the injured list tomorrow or Wednesday.

The outlook surrounding Polanco is also optimistic: “Jorge Polanco is going through a full workout today and will hopefully begin a rehab assignment at some point this week.”

Carlos Mendoza had high praise for Francisco Alvarez. “Alvarez? I mean this guy is unbelievable. He’s already hitting, doing catching. Like, we were talking about 8 weeks…I’m not sure about that now. You know this guy’s built differently.“

Lastly, it was time to address the situation surrounding Kodai Senga, confirming that he was seen throwing a bullpen session and that the goal is for him to make a rehab start on Thursday.

Injuries, the Mets’ Achilles’ heel

The 2026 MLB season has been incredibly tough on the New York Mets, with a devastating wave of injuries severely derailing the team’s momentum. The roster has faced critical blows, most notably losing star shortstop Francisco Lindor to a left calf strain after he already pushed through the lingering effects of a spring training hamate bone fracture.

To make matters worse, the offense lost major firepower when young catcher Francisco Alvarez suffered a torn right meniscus, while veteran infielder Jorge Polanco has been sidelined for an extended period dealing with a right wrist contusion and persistent Achilles bursitis.

These collective absences have heavily compromised the Mets’ depth, creating a massive void in both defensive stability and offensive production. Without their key foundational pieces in the lineup, the team has noticeably struggled to find consistency, causing them to slide down the standings as they scramble for answers.

Alongside Lindor, high-profile missing pieces Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr. are also completely devoid of a timetable. Neither player has hit a promising milestone in their respective rehab assignments, leaving immense uncertainty regarding their availability to anchor the lineup for the grueling summer stretch ahead.

Polanco’s situation is particularly concerning for the Mets. Manager Carlos Mendoza recently admitted that the veteran’s chronic Achilles issue is an alarming hurdle the team must closely manage, fueling underlying anxiety that the infielder could face a long-term shutdown—or potentially surgery—if the injury doesn’t respond to treatment.

Subway Series victory over the Yankees. New York is still waiting on trade acquisition Bo Bichette to break out of his season-long funk and replicate the elite offensive production he showcased with the Toronto Blue Jays last year. Until he clicks, Mendoza has plenty of roster configurations to weigh.

What is the nature of Lindor’s injury?

Lindor was shelved in late April after suffering a severe left calf strain. While the face of the franchise works his way back, his absence has evoked bittersweet feelings among the fan faithful; though undisputed as the team’s emotional leader, the shortstop was mired in an uncharacteristic slump prior to landing on the shelf.

While an optimistic timeline has him returning to Citi Field in about four weeks based on standard calf recovery, he has yet to clear pivotal benchmarks. Lindor has still not been cleared to run bases or take dynamic batting practice, keeping his active status firmly up in the air.

Luis Robert Jr. injury update

Much like Polanco and Lindor, Luis Robert Jr. has been a glaring omission from the active roster. What was initially expected to be a standard 10-day IL stint has mutated into a prolonged absence, as a herniated disc in his lumbar spine continues to present discomfort and threatens an extended shutdown.

Mendoza confirmed that the dynamic outfielder has no target return date, noting that Robert has yet to resume baseball activities. For now, the Mets are left waiting on further medical evaluations, desperate to get their regular starters back to spark a much-needed run up the standings.

Mendoza revealed that Alvarez underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus and is expected to be sidelined for at least eight weeks. Regarding Lindor, the skipper noted that the star shortstop is “showing signs of healing,” though he has yet to clear the hurdles necessary to resume baseball activities.

These critical updates add to a crowded Injured List that already includes Luis Robert Jr., Kodai Senga, and AJ Minter. The injury bug isn’t exclusive to Flushing, however; the Yankees are also holding their breath as Max Fried faces a potential IL stint following an abrupt exit in his last start against the Baltimore Orioles.

The lack of roster depth has intensified pressure from a restless fanbase, fueling speculation that the Mets’ front office could be forced into the trade or free-agent market in the coming days to salvage the remainder of the regular season.

What happened to Alvarez?

Alvarez’s knee injury, sustained during a series against the Detroit Tigers, has forced a significant shift in the Mets’ defensive plans as they prepare for the high-pressure environment of the Subway Series.

Luis Torrens is slated to handle the bulk of the catching duties in Alvarez’s absence. To bolster the depth chart, the Mets have Hayden Senger waiting in the wings as the primary backup, tasked with helping to stabilize a position that has suddenly become a glaring void for the club.

Key series Alvarez is expected to miss

While the Mets wait for “the two Franciscos” to get healthy, they are leaning on a youth movement to keep their season afloat. Rookies Carson Benge and AJ Ewing have been bright spots, with Ewing recently etching his name into the history books by matching a statistical mark that had stood for 122 years.

Here are the upcoming series Alvarez is projected to miss during his recovery:

• Subway Series vs. Yankees (May 15–17)
• vs. Atlanta Braves (June 12–14)
• @ Philadelphia Phillies (June 18–21)
• vs. Philadelphia Phillies (June 26–28)
• @ Seattle Mariners (June 1–3)
• @ San Diego Padres (June 5–7)
• @ Atlanta Braves (July 3–6)

“I think it’s really tough seeing a player like that, a true superstar like Francisco, who impacts the game both offensively and defensively,” Soto said before the game against the Nationals, via Master Flip on X.

He also added, “It’s unfortunate what happened to him, but we’re all hoping and praying for a full and speedy recovery. We’ll be right here waiting for him.” His comments reflected the clubhouse sentiment as the Mets continue to deal with both injuries and on‑field struggles, as manager Carlos Mendoza still believes in his roster despite the setbacks.

Those struggles were evident again later that night, when the Mets fell 14–2 to the Nationals, dropping New York to 10-20 on the season. The defeat marked their 16th loss in the last 19 games, leaving the Mets with the worst record in baseball through 30 games and increasing pressure on a roster that entered the year with high expectations.

Mets offense and pitching continue to falter amid losing stretch

New York’s latest loss highlighted ongoing issues across the roster. Starter David Peterson lasted just 3.2 innings, allowing seven runs, while Sean Manaea struggled in relief, surrendering a grand slam that put the game out of reach.

Offensively, the Mets showed limited production outside of Soto, who has been one of the few consistent contributors. Despite occasional flashes, the lineup has failed to deliver in key moments, a trend that has defined much of the team’s recent slide.

Lindor’s absence adds pressure

Lindor’s impact on the lineup makes his absence even more significant during this stretch. The star shortstop had been contributing across multiple areas before the injury, providing both offensive production and defensive stability.

Through the 2026 season, Lindor is hitting .226 with 21 hits in 93 at-bats, along with 2 home runs, 5 RBIs, and 2 stolen bases. He also holds a .314 on-base percentage and a .669 OPS, numbers that reflect a steady presence even as the team has struggled to find consistency.

With New York trying to recover from a difficult start, getting Lindor back healthy will be key. Until then, the Mets will need others to step up as they look to regain momentum and stabilize their season.

“The Mets have not provided a timetable for Francisco Lindor’s calf strain, but are privately expecting him to be out until weeks into June,” MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported.

On April 22, Lindor suffered this unfortunate injury during the game in which the Mets ultimately defeated the Minnesota Twins 3–2. Everything indicates that Carlos Mendoza will have to wait longer than expected to have him back available.

How long does recovery take for Lindor’s injury?

While a standard calf strain typically takes one to three weeks to heal, Francisco Lindor’s recovery is expected to stretch into June due to the high risk of reinjury. The Mets are taking a cautious approach, prioritizing a full strengthening program to ensure their star shortstop doesn’t suffer a setback during the summer stretch.

Alternatives for the Mets to replace Lindor

With Francisco Lindor sidelined, manager Carlos Mendoza is turning to a versatile group of infielders to maintain stability in Queens. Bo Bichette serves as the primary solution, sliding back to his natural shortstop position to provide both veteran leadership and a consistent bat at the top of the order.

Meanwhile, the emergence of Ronny Mauricio offers Mendoza additional flexibility, as the young infielder’s power and athleticism allow the Mets to stay competitive while their All-Star captain recovers.

Francisco Lindor’s 2026 stats so far

Before his injury, Francisco Lindor appeared in 24 games for the Mets this season, recording a .226 batting average and a .669 OPS. Over 93 at-bats, the star shortstop tallied 21 hits, including two home runs, two doubles, and two triples, while contributing five RBIs and scoring 14 runs.

Although his offensive numbers were slightly below his career averages during the season’s opening month, his presence at the top of the lineup and defensive leadership remained vital components of the Mets’ strategy prior to his late-April injury.

Manager Carlos Mendoza, who was recently backed by Steve Cohen amid the Mets’ struggles, addressed the situation before Friday’s game, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding Lindor’s recovery. “We’ve still got a lot of people looking at this,” Mendoza said, via ESPN as the organization continues to evaluate the severity of the injury.

Lindor will wear a protective boot on his lower left leg for about a week and is scheduled to undergo further imaging in three weeks before being reevaluated. The five-time All-Star suffered the injury while scoring from first base during Wednesday’s win over the Minnesota Twins, a game that ended New York’s 12-game losing streak.

Mets take cautious approach with Lindor’s recovery

The lack of a clear return timeline highlights the Mets’ cautious approach. Team president David Stearns confirmed that the organization will wait for additional medical updates before determining next steps.

“We’ve got to see where this is in three weeks and see how the healing goes,” Stearns said, reinforcing that Lindor’s recovery will depend on how the injury responds over time.

Injuries continue to impact Mets’ roster decisions

Lindor’s absence adds to a growing list of injury concerns for New York. Ronny Mauricio has been called up to help fill the void at shortstop, while the team continues to manage the return of other key players.

Despite the challenges, the Mets remain focused on stabilizing their performance early in the season. With a long schedule ahead, the organization is prioritizing health and depth as it looks to stay competitive in the National League.

Bichette stepped up in a critical spot with the bases loaded and two outs, driving a line drive to left-center field that cleared the bases and gave the Mets the lead for good. “It didn’t feel like it to me… it looked like a good pitch to hit,” Bichette said after the game, according to MLB.com, reflecting on the at-bat that changed the outcome.

The win also came while the Mets dealt with a difficult situation, as Mendoza was recently backed by Steve Cohen amid the team’s struggles. After snapping a 12-game losing streak, New York’s offense found enough production to outlast Minnesota in a back-and-forth contest and secure its second straight victory.

Bichette delivers in biggest moment of Mets tenure so far

With the game tied in the eighth inning, Bichette came to the plate in a high-pressure situation and stayed aggressive early in the count. His approach paid off, as he drove a pitch off the wall to bring home three runs and swing the game in New York’s favor.

The hit marked one of his most impactful moments since joining the Mets and suggested growing comfort in key situations after a slow start to his tenure. Earlier contributions from Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez helped keep New York within striking distance before Bichette’s late breakthrough.

While inconsistency remain concerns, the win offered a glimpse of resilience, with the Mets responding in a high-pressure environment to secure an important result.

Manager Carlos Mendoza, who was recently backed by Steve Cohen amid struggles, confirmed after the game that Lindor will undergo further evaluation. “[Lindor] is going to get an MRI tomorrow and see what we are dealing with,” Mendoza said, according to MLB.com. “It sucks… when you see a guy like Lindor, as tough as he is, I knew right away something wasn’t right.”

The injury occurred in the fourth inning when Lindor showed visible discomfort while rounding the bases after an extra-base hit. Despite scoring, he left the game shortly after and did not return, raising immediate concern about a potential injured list stint for one of the team’s most important players.

Lindor injury comes as Mets regain momentum

Lindor’s exit overshadowed what had been a positive step for New York, as the team snapped a 12-game losing streak and welcomed Juan Soto back into the lineup. However, losing Lindor, even temporarily, could quickly shift that momentum.

The shortstop had been heating up in recent days, going 9-for-25 (.360) with two home runs and five RBIs over his last seven games. His production at the top of the lineup has been critical, especially for a Mets offense that has struggled with consistency throughout the early season.

Mets may face another setback if MRI confirms injury

If the MRI reveals a strain, the Mets could be without Lindor for an extended period, similar to the timeline Soto faced with a comparable injury. That possibility adds pressure on a roster already dealing with depth concerns and uneven performances.

New York adjusted quickly during the game, shifting Bo Bichette to shortstop while Brett Baty entered the lineup. Still, Lindor’s absence would leave a significant gap both offensively and defensively, making the upcoming diagnosis a key development for the team moving forward.

Lindor addressed the impending return of his superstar teammate as the Mets navigate a brutal 12-game losing streak. “At the end of the day, I hope everyone doesn’t put all the pressure on him because that would be a little unfair, but I know he’s going to help us a ton,” Lindor told SNY.

The primary culprit behind this historic slide has been a complete offensive vanishing act. Averaging a dismal 1.7 runs over their last 12 contests, the Amazins are currently enduring one of the most futility-stricken starts in franchise history.

With Soto back in the heart of the order for Wednesday’s tilt, manager Carlos Mendoza—who recently received a public vote of confidence from owner Steve Cohen—is hopeful this reinforcements can finally halt the skid. The Mets are desperate for a much-needed victory against the Minnesota Twins in Game 2 of the series.

Mendoza tempers expectations for Soto’s return

While the fan base is looking to Juan Soto as a potential savior amid this double-digit losing streak, the clubhouse is taking a more measured approach regarding his re-entry against the Twins.

Speaking with the media prior to the game, Mendoza emphasized the need for patience with his outfielder’s health. “We need to be flexible and stay on top of things with him,” Mendoza noted, suggesting the team will carefully monitor Soto’s workload in his first game back.

Soto eager to spark the Mets’ offense

Ahead of the pivotal matchup against Minnesota, Soto expressed his excitement about finally getting back onto the grass. “To be back on the field is always great,” Soto remarked. “That’s what we do this for, to be out there, to share a good time with your teammates, to learn, and to play the game you love.”

Speaking to reporters after the Mets’ loss to the Chicago Cubs, Lindor said: “He’s done a fantastic job. This is not on him. He has made sure everybody here is prepared. Every coach here is prepared. We have the information. It comes down on us.” The team now heads back home empty-handed.

With that 11th straight defeat, the Mets have matched the franchise’s 2004 losing streak, when they also dropped 11 in a row. Mendoza now finds himself tied to one of the worst stretches in team history, and he is inching closer to other major losing streaks dating back to 1962, a mark no manager wants attached to his name.

Lindor says Mendoza has things under control

Lindor, who has struggled at the plate this season with just a .205 batting average, went hitless in four at-bats during the Mets’ 11th straight loss. Still, he insisted Mendoza is the right man for the job and admitted the players have to be better.

“Mendy’s our guy. He’s our leader. He’s in control and he’s done a tremendous job. We just haven’t executed. It would be unfair to put everything on him because at the end of the day, he has gotten the ship in the right direction. We just have to, the people are paddling. We’ve got to paddle and execute.”

The 2026 start has been Mendoza’s worst with the Mets. By April 20 last season, the team held a 15–7 record, and they only dipped below .500 three times all year, March 27, March 29, and April 1, when they sat with one loss behind.

How much time is left on Mendoza’s contract?

Mendoza signed a three-year deal in 2024. His first season came in 2025, and he is guaranteed to manage the Mets through 2026. The third year of his contract, however, is a club option for 2027, meaning his return beyond this season is far from guaranteed.