Francisco Lindor’s latest injury update could put the Mets in trouble at crucial time 

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor has been dealing with back issues after missing yet another game on Tuesday. Lindor was not part of the starting lineup for the Mets’ series opener against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.

Francisco Lindor underwent a bone scan on Monday that showed no structural damage. Before Tuesday’s game, Lindor revealed that he would test his condition to determine if he could play off the bench (via AP News):

“It is more important for me, that the pain comes, and then goes,” Lindor said. “Before, when I hit the ball and started running, it wasn’t letting go. It can’t be that constant, ‘I can’t move, I can’t move, I can’t move.’ That will put me in a spot where I can’t do what I need to do.”

Lindor was seen wearing a heat wrap on his back as he missed his eighth consecutive game. Despite his absence, the Mets have been performing well, winning six of their last seven games, and are in a good position to secure an NL Wild Card position.

However, other teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, currently third in the Wild Card race, and the San Diego Padres, who are leading the race, are also pushing to secure their postseason spot.

With only two series left for the Mets, this is a crucial moment for them to hold on to their second spot. Now, with no set return for key player Francisco Lindor, the Mets' playoff chances could be at risk.

Mets' Francisco Lindor opens up about his injury and playing through the pain

So far in the 2024 season, the Puerto Rican has been hitting .271 with 31 homers and 86 RBIs along with a .836 OPS. Discussing his injury, Lindor said after their 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday:

“If I play this year, I don’t think it’s going to be pain-free. And I’m OK with that. I just don’t want it to be a constant pain where I can’t bend over. Then I put my teammates in a position where I’m not helping them as much as I can. That’s not fair for anybody.”

In Lindor’s absence, rookie Luisangel Acuna took over the shortstop role, performing well with a .379 batting average and three home runs. During the Mets’ 1-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, Acuna recorded one hit in three at-bats.

The Mets will face the Braves once again on Wednesday in the second of their three-game series.