Inside The Mets

Mets' Francisco Lindor Pulled Again With Injury Concern

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor's return to the lineup was short-lived on Sunday. He was pulled from action after just one inning.

Pat Ragazzo

Sep 8, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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New York Mets superstar Francisco Lindor's return to the starting lineup was short-lived on Sunday.

After recording a leadoff bloop single and then playing the bottom of the first inning on defense, Lindor was pulled from action for the second time in three days with back discomfort.

Lindor did not look like himself while running to first base on his single, moving gingerly down the line as he reached the bag.

It did not take long for the Mets to remove their MVP candidate from the game and replace him with recently called up top prospect Luisangel Acuna.

Lindor was first forced out of Friday night's game after tweaking his back while rounding second base in the sixth inning. His injury was initially being called lower back soreness.

The Mets gave Lindor the day off on Saturday and he was unavailable off the bench. Following pre-game warmups, the shortstop was deemed healthy enough to re-enter the lineup on Sunday.

However, Lindor clearly did not look like himself in the first inning, and now there is likely some concern with his back still bothering him.

The Mets will be hoping that Lindor's back will not keep him out for too much longer, but the latest development certainly is a concerning sign.

Lindor has been the Mets' best player this season, slashing .271/.342/.494 with a .836 OPS, 31 home runs and 86 RBIs in 148 games.

Beyond Sunday, there are just 13 games in the regular season remaining and the Mets are fighting for a spot in the postseason. New York entered the day tied for the third and final Wild Card spot in the NL with the rival Atlanta Braves.

The Mets are trying to take two out of three games from the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday, and are being forced to do so without Lindor.

Stay tuned for further updates.

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Pat Ragazzo

PAT RAGAZZO

Pat Ragazzo is the reporter, publisher, site manager and executive editor for Sports Illustrated's Mets and Yankees On SI websites. Pat was selected as The Top Reporter & Publisher of the Year 2024 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the industry. He has been seen on several major TV Network stations including: NBC4, CBS2, FOX5, PIX11 and NY1; and is frequently heard on ESPN New York FM 880 AM and WFAN Sports Radio 101.9 FM as a guest. Pat also serves as the Mets insider for the "Allow Me 2 Be Frank" podcast hosted by Frank "The Tank" Fleming of Barstool Sports. You can follow him on Twitter/X: @ragazzoreport.

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