Full Breakdown
Mets Shortstop Francisco Lindor Sidelined by Calf Strain Ahead of Rockies Series
4/25/2026, 10:46:41 PM
Lindor’s Calf Strain Lands on Injured List
The New York Mets placed shortstop Francisco Lindor on the 10-day injured list Thursday after a calf strain in the fourth inning of Wednesday’s game versus Minnesota Twins. The injury, called a “tricky part” of his left calf, is deemed more severe than the strain that sidelined outfielder Juan Soto. Lindor’s loss comes as Mets prepare for a series against Colorado Rockies at Citi Field, after two-game win that ended a losing skid.
Background and Statistics
Lindor entered 2024 on a five-year, $341 million contract but has underperformed. In 24 games he posted a .226 average, five bWAR, two doubles, two triples, two homers and 14 runs. He previously missed time after a hamate fracture. The calf strain is his first IL stint since 2021.
Replacement Plan
Manager Carlos Mendoza said infielder Ronny Mauricio, recalled from Triple-A Syracuse, will start at shortstop while Bo Bichette moves back to third. He added Mauricio will get “the majority of shortstop time,” letting the club evaluate a trade-linked player.
Official Statements
Mendoza said MRI reviews prevent a precise return date, adding Lindor will be “down for quite a bit.” Lindor described missing games as “super disappointing.” Analysts noted his .226 average and five bWAR contrast with his $341 million contract, arguing the Mets might stay competitive without his bat.
Conflicting Timelines
Reports indicate Lindor will wear a walking boot for a week and won’t be reevaluated until three weeks pass, suggesting a mid-May return. The timeline remains uncertain, with Mendoza only confirming Lindor will be “down for quite a bit.” No firm date is set.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Mets won’t reevaluate him until three full weeks pass, so he can’t restart baseball activities until mid-May at the earliest.” — Carlos Mendoza
- “[Carlos] Mendoza said reporters, including Joel Sherman of The New York Post, Lindor’s strain is worse than Soto’s and he will therefore miss a decent amount of time. Mendoza added that Mauricio will get the majority of shortstop time while Lindor is out.” — Carlos Mendoza
- “We still have multiple people looking at the imaging and the MRI and all that. We do know, obviously there's the injury there, and he's going to be down for quite a bit here,” — Carlos Mendoza
- “Whenever I have to miss games, it's super disappointing,” — Francisco Lindor
- “It sucks to be on the side, but I'll be there with them, cheering them on and probably just as nervous as every fan out there as well.” — Francisco Lindor
What’s Next
The Mets will start the Rockies series with Mauricio at shortstop, while bullpen and lineup tweaks aim to sustain the two-game winning streak. Lindor’s rehab remains a priority as the season reaches its midpoint.
