The New York Mets' postseason aspirations suffered a potential setback as they fell to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday. Adding to the team's woes, star shortstop Francisco Lindor exited the game early due to recurring back discomfort that has been plaguing him over the past few days.
Injuries are nothing new for Lindor this week. He missed Saturday’s game entirely and also left Friday’s game prematurely because of similar back issues. On Sunday, he managed to make a brief appearance, singling to center leading off the game and throwing out Trea Turner in the first inning before his back forced him off the field in the second inning.
Encouraging MRI Results
Lindor underwent an MRI on Monday, and initial results were encouraging, offering a glimmer of hope for Mets fans. However, the timeline for his return remains uncertain. He could miss "three to five days" or "two to three," depending upon how his back reacts in the next few days, Lindor remarked.
Lindor’s Impressive Season
Despite his recent back troubles, Lindor has been a standout performer for the Mets this season. Boasting a slash line of .271/.342/.494, he's hit 31 home runs and 39 doubles while swiping 27 stolen bases. With stats like these, his contributions have been invaluable to a Mets team that is currently tied with the Atlanta Braves for the final National League wild-card spot.
Playoff Race Tightens
The Mets' loss to the Phillies could have been more damaging if not for the Braves also losing on Sunday, keeping the wild-card race in a dead heat. Every game from here on out holds significant weight, especially with Lindor’s health hanging in the balance.
National League MVP Favorite
While Lindor's performances have been significant, the National League Most Valuable Player award race seems to have a clear favorite in Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani’s astounding season has captured the attention of everyone in the baseball world, making him the frontrunner for the coveted accolade.
As the Mets await further updates on Lindor's condition, the team knows that their playoff hopes may hinge on how quickly their star shortstop can recover. The next few days will be crucial in determining his availability and, ultimately, the Mets' fortunes as they push towards the postseason.