When will Francisco Lindor return? Mets share positive update ahead as playoff pressure mounts

Francisco Lindor was taken out of Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies due to lower back tightness. The New York Mets were hoping for the best news with an MRI scheduled. On Monday, the results came out, and they said that his absence could last "three to five" days or "two to three."

It gave many a sigh of relief, as the Mets are barely clinging onto the last wild-card spot in the National League. Lindor can be expected to return for the series against the Braves in Atlanta, who are 1.0 games out of the third Wild Card Spot. So, the result of the series is bound to have postseason implications.

Ahead of Monday's game, Lindor spoke about his return:

"Depends on how my back reacts."

He mentioned that if everything goes well, returning somewhere in between for the series against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field would be the "best case scenario."

Moreover, he said that he's taking medication for the pain and that the injury is "manageable."

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Mets manager "relieved" after hearing positive Francisco Lindor update

The first expression from Carlos Mendoza was that of being "relieved" as he feared that Francisco Lindor might have been done for the season.

“I think we got the best news,” Mendoza said in a pre-game press conference on Monday. “I was expecting the worst, to be honest with you.”

Lindor also thought that he had a serious issue but it seems the almighty answered his prayers as he said:

“I was praying on the way to the MRI that it was going to be something day-to-day. And the good Lord answered my prayers.”

By the time, Francisco Lindor rejoins the team, Mendoza wants other players to pick up the slack, as every win counts from now on.

“It will be strange without him but nobody is going to feel sorry for us,” the manager said.

“People are going to have to step up. We understand that we’ve got a really good ballclub here, and we feel good knowing Francisco will be a player for us again this season.’’

For the Mets, the ongoing home series against the Nationals will be followed by series against the Phillies and the pivotal road series against the Braves, which starts next week on Tuesday.