In the world of baseball, injuries are inevitable, and even the top players are not immune.
Francisco Lindor, the star shortstop for the New York Mets, has been dealing with back discomfort that recently sidelined him from several games.
After receiving a facet joint injection to manage the pain, Lindor and the Mets hope for a swift recovery and a quick return to the field.
With his recovery timeline still uncertain, fans eagerly await updates on his progress and potential return date.
Will Lindor be ready to lead the team again soon? Let’s find out.
- Francisco Lindor received a facet joint injection to help relieve back pain after dealing with discomfort for about two weeks.
- The Mets star began engaging in baseball activities, including running and batting practice, but the exact recovery timeline remains unclear.
- Mets manager Carlos Mendoza is optimistic about Lindor’s return, potentially as early as Tuesday, where he will resume his role as shortstop.
Francisco Lindor’s Back Injury and Recovery
On Friday, Francisco Lindor, the Mets’ star shortstop, made progress in his recovery after receiving a facet joint injection a day earlier.
For context, the procedure involves injecting a mixture of anesthetic and steroids into the spine’s facet joints to reduce pain and inflammation.
Unfortunately, Lindor had been dealing with back discomfort for nearly two weeks, worsening when he awkwardly stepped on second base.
Without the injection, Lindor didn’t feel his recovery was advancing quickly enough.
He explained, “It was always trending in the right direction, but it didn’t feel like I could get back sooner rather than later. And with the injection, they said there was a possibility that that could happen.”
His discomfort became even more noticeable when he left the game early on Sunday, during a 2-1 loss to the Phillies, and then missed the next five games.
While Lindor’s return date remains uncertain, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza mentioned that Lindor’s slow progress had prompted the decision for the facet shot.
According to Mendoza, “After day three, I think I said it’s slowly getting better but not turning the corner. That’s when trainers and the doctors decided to go ahead and do the shot.”
Signs of Improvement After the Facet Shot
Twenty-four hours after the injection, Lindor reported feeling better and engaged in light baseball activities, including playing catch, running, and taking batting practice.
While still unable to estimate his level of improvement, Lindor expressed optimism, saying he was “feeling good.”
He even said that tasks as simple as tying his shoelaces had become easier, signaling that the pain was beginning to subside.
However, Lindor admitted that recovery timelines could vary. From what he gathered, he had heard mixed reports from others who received similar treatments, with some feeling relief within two to three days while others experienced improvement after a week.
He stated, “[I’m] not worried, but antsy,” expressing eagerness to return to the field.
Even while recovering, Lindor has remained engaged with the team despite being on the sidelines, even joking that he has “a whistle in the dugout” to stay involved.
Potential Return Timeline: When Will Lindor Be Back?
Although there is no definite timeline for Lindor’s return, Carlos Mendoza suggested that once Lindor resumes full baseball activities, he could be ready to play as soon as the following day.
The earliest potential return could be Tuesday, during the Mets’ series opener against the Atlanta Braves.
Mendoza clarified that when Lindor is ready to return, it will be as the team’s shortstop, not as a designated hitter (DH). “I think we’re looking at him being a full player for us,” Mendoza said. “When he’s ready to go, he’s playing shortstop for us.”
Before his injury, Lindor had been performing impressively, hitting .271 with 31 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases.
Early on, though, his season started slow. Through May 20, he was batting just .193 with seven home runs and 22 RBIs.
However, Lindor had a remarkable resurgence, batting .307 with 24 home runs and 64 RBIs over his last 101 games before the injury.
Evidently, his contributions are invaluable to the Mets, and the team eagerly awaits his return.
What Lies Ahead for Lindor and the Mets
Lindor’s recovery from his back injury remains a work in progress, but the signs are promising. Thankfully, his facet shot seems to be helping, and his gradual return to baseball activities is encouraging.
Mets fans and management are hopeful for a quick recovery and for Lindor to return to his role as shortstop, a position he has excelled all season.
As he awaits his return, Lindor remains confident in his team, expressing belief in the Mets’ ability to win despite his absence. “The guys have scored a lot of runs in the past four games. They have played extremely well. I believe in what we have,” he said.
While his return timeline is still uncertain, it’s clear that Lindor and the Mets are doing everything possible to get him back on the field soon.
