Mets Fall to Phillies as Lindor's Back Issues Continue
The New York Mets saw their hopes for securing a National League wild-card spot suffer a setback on Sunday as they were defeated by the Philadelphia Phillies. The game also marked another troubling instance for star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who exited in the second inning due to recurring back discomfort.
Lindor's back problems have been a persistent issue over the weekend, causing him to miss Saturday's game entirely and leave Friday's match prematurely. His early exit on Sunday raised concerns, though an MRI conducted on Monday provided some encouraging initial results. Lindor's return to the lineup remains uncertain, hinging on how his back responds in the upcoming days. According to Lindor, he could miss “three to five days” or “two to three,” depending upon his recovery.
Despite these setbacks, Lindor has been a key contributor to the Mets' offense throughout the 2024 season. He boasts a commendable slash line of .271/.342/.494, with an impressive tally of 31 home runs and 39 doubles. Lindor has also stolen 27 bases, underlining his all-around prowess on the field.
Sunday's game did see Lindor making an impact before his early departure. Leading off the game, he singled to center and later demonstrated his defensive skills by throwing out Philadelphia’s Trea Turner in the first inning. However, his departure left a noticeable void in the Mets lineup, contributing to their eventual 5-3 loss against the Phillies.
The Mets' playoff dreams remain in limbo as they are tied with the Atlanta Braves for the final National League wild-card spot. Coincidentally, the Braves also suffered a loss on Sunday, adding another layer of unpredictability to the wild-card race.
In related league news, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers has emerged as the favorite for the National League Most Valuable Player award, adding another chapter to the already enthralling 2024 season narrative.
As the Mets and their fans await further updates on Lindor's condition, the team will need to navigate the immediate future without their star shortstop. His absence will undoubtedly test the Mets' depth and resilience as they vie for a crucial playoff berth in one of baseball’s most competitive divisions.