Lindor Aims for Mets Comeback This Week Amid Recovery Doubts

WHO:

MLB.com - Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated the Mets would like to see Lindor play back-to-back games before activating him.

MLB.com - Teammate Juan Soto described Lindor as having "elite" defense and bat.

MLB.com - Francisco Lindor, Carlos Mendoza, Freddy Peralta, David Stearns, Bo Bichette, Brett Baty, Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Justin Crawford, J.T. Realmuto.

WHAT:

MLB.com - Lindor is expected to return as soon as Thursday for their final game of a four-game set against the Cubs.

MLB.com - Lindor was batting .226/.314/.355 with two home runs in 24 games prior to his injury.

MLB.com - Lindor played all nine innings in his second Minor League rehab game, finishing 0-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base, and a run scored.

MLB.com - Lindor is expected to play a simulated game at Citi Field before potentially returning on Wednesday against the Cubs.

MLB.com - Lindor will reassume starting shortstop duties upon his return, with Bo Bichette moving to third base and Brett Baty returning to a super sub role.

MLB.com - Francisco Lindor is likely to return from the injured list this week.

MLB.com - Lindor played in a second Minor League rehab game, finishing 0-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base, and a run scored.

MLB.com - Lindor had several defensive chances at shortstop, including a double play.

MLB.com - Lindor was batting .226 with two home runs, two stolen bases, and a .669 OPS in 24 games prior to his injury.

MLB.com - Freddy Peralta allowed a career-high 10 earned runs in a game against the Phillies.

MLB.com - Peralta's ERA rose to 4.83, ranking him 59th out of 66 pitchers qualified for the Major League ERA title.

MLB.com - The Mets are currently in last place in the NL East with a record of 34-42.

WHERE:

MLB.com - Lindor's rehab games took place in Syracuse, New York.

MLB.com - The Mets' simulated game for Lindor is set to occur at Citi Field.

MLB.com - The game where Peralta struggled took place at Citizens Bank Park.

WHEN:

MLB.com - Lindor's return could occur on Thursday for the final game against the Cubs.

MLB.com - Lindor is likely to return as soon as Thursday for their final game of a four-game set against the Cubs.

MLB.com - Lindor is expected to potentially return on Wednesday against the Cubs.

WHY:

MLB.com - The Mets have gone 26-27 since Lindor's injury, remaining on the fringes of the National League playoff picture.

MLB.com - The Mets are currently 26-27 since Lindor's injury, remaining on the fringes of the National League playoff picture.

MLB.com - The Mets are comfortable having Lindor return sooner than typical for an everyday player after missing two months due to injury due to a series of simulated games leading into his rehab assignment.

MLB.com - The Mets want Lindor to play back-to-back games before activating him from the injured list.

MLB.com - Peralta's struggles are affecting the Mets' performance and could impact his free agency prospects.

HOW:

MLB.com - The Mets are facilitating Lindor's return with a simulated game at Citi Field, as there are no Minor League games on Monday.

MLB.com - Lindor's return is being facilitated by a simulated game at Citi Field, as there are no Minor League games on Monday.

MLB.com - Lindor's return is being facilitated by a simulated game at Citi Field, as there are no Minor League games on Monday.

MLB.com - Lindor's return is being facilitated by a series of simulated games leading into his rehab assignment.

MLB.com - Peralta's issues stem from falling behind in counts, resulting in a high walk rate and abbreviated outings.

The Mets are preparing for the potential return of Francisco Lindor, who could be back in action as soon as Thursday for their final game against the Cubs. Manager Carlos Mendoza stated that the team would like to see Lindor play back-to-back games before officially activating him, while teammate Juan Soto praised Lindor's "elite" defense and bat. Prior to his injury, Lindor was batting .226 with two home runs in 24 games, and the Mets have gone 26-27 since his absence, keeping them on the fringes of the National League playoff picture.