Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor missed his eighth straight game due to back pain on Tuesday night but was ready to pinch hit when New York made the final out in a 5-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza mentioned that Lindor “could be in play” for Wednesday, although heavy rain is expected.
Before the start of an important three-game series, Lindor talked to reporters while wearing a heat wrap on his back. He said he would work out before the game to see if he was healthy enough to come off the bench.
A bone scan on Monday showed no structural damage to his back, which he felt meant there was little risk of further injury if he tried to play.
“He’s going to try to push it again and he’s going to let me know if he is available for today or not,” Mendoza said before the game. “That was the case on Sunday, and after the workout, he said he was not there yet.
He’s going to be very honest with us. He’s not going to put himself at risk or the team at risk.”
Lindor has played only one inning in the last 10 games. However, the Mets went 6-1 during a homestand that ended on Sunday, and they currently hold one of three National League wild card spots, with five games left in a close race that includes San Diego, Arizona, and Atlanta.
Lindor said he would be open to returning as a designated hitter if the team thought that was the best option. He mentioned he needs to reach a point where any pain he feels while playing does not linger.
“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.”
