Francisco Lindor was the Mets’ lone bright spot during their back-to-back blown-lead losses to the Atlanta Braves this week.
In Wednesday and Thursday’s games at Citi Field, the shortstop went a combined 5-for-7 with a home run, two walks, four runs, and a stolen base, indicating that he was ready to make an impact.
Following Thursday’s s4-3 loss, Lindor declared, “I’m getting the barrel to the baseball.” Although it is evident, this is the truth.
Lindor went 3-for-4 on Thursday, capping a three-game series in which he scored five runs and finished 6-for-11.
The National League MVP runner-up from the previous season has had a rough season, going hitless in the five games prior to those.
Lindor was the starting shortstop for the National League in last month’s All-Star Game, and his total stats—22 home runs, 65 RBI, and 19 steals—are impressive as of Friday.
However, Lindor had a.214 average, eight home runs, and a.652 OPS going into Friday night’s series opener against the Seattle Mariners in Queens. He has played 59 games since June 4, the day he was hit by a pitch and shattered his right pinky toe.
Lindor batted.284 with 14 home runs and an OPS of.854 in the 60 games prior to then.
Lindor mentioned three of the Mets coaches, saying, “I have guys like [Eric] Chavez, Jeremy [Barnes], Rafa [Fernandez], talking to me on a daily basis.” Many members of the hitting group are battling for me and want me to succeed. Right now, I’m doing well. I’ll do my best to be loyal to myself and ride that wave for as long as I can.
Despite missing just two games this season due to a toe ailment, Lindor, 31, has continued to play and has never used it as an excuse.
Lindor started Friday hitting.283 with an OPS of.878 in August, despite a recent 0-for-21 slump that he ended with a bunt single in Tuesday’s 13-5 victory against Atlanta. Those were his highest monthly totals since April.
After Thursday’s setback, the Mets’ 13th in 15 games, manager Carlos Mendoza stated, “He’s always making adjustments.” This man puts in just as much effort as everyone else, and he works in the cages and hits early every day. They are constantly adjusting their swings. He’s just getting the hang of it, I believe.
Lindor had his first consecutive multi-hit games since July 23–25 on Wednesday and Thursday.
When Lindor hit a 409-foot homer to right-center against right-hander Bryce Elder, a single to left field against Elder, and an infield hit from the right side against lefty reliever Dylan Lee on Thursday, Mendoza was pleased by Lindor’s approach.
To start a two-run rally in the sixth inning, Lindor also stole second base, advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Drake Baldwin, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Brandon Nimmo.
“It’s kind of what we saw [on Thursday] when he’s at his best,” Mendoza added. He hits a line drive in the opposite direction after pulling side with authority. The takes. He’s moving. That Lindor is exhibiting symptoms now is really encouraging. That will be crucial for us.
