Getty Image / Francisco Lindor
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has been red-hot, and Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor has missed four straight games with a back injury, but it was just a week ago where Lindor was getting MVP buzz in the National League. But, his back injury, which leaves him day-to-day, made it a lock that Ohtani, who was favored all along, would win the award.
Despite his absence, Lindor has found a way to play a huge role for a Mets team that is in the middle of an intense wild card race in the National League.
It’s incredible that Francisco Lindor ever got in the MVP talk this season. He was dreadful in the early going for the Mets, with an OPS well under .700 through May. While he heated up a bit in May back to the level of an above-average hitter, the Mets went 9-19 in the month, putting them firmly out of the playoff picture with the season looking like another lost year in Queens.
Since June 1, the Mets have been the best team in baseball, and Francisco Lindor is the biggest reason why. He’s played his trademark elite defense at shortstop. But, the biggest change has been at the plate. Since first-year manager Carlos Mendoza moved the switch-hitter to the leadoff spot, he’s slashing .301/.372/.505, making him one of the best hitters in all of baseball. When you consider elite defense at shortstop and good base running, it’s no surprise he was leading the NL in WAR until Shohei Ohtani’s 6-6 3HR game on Thursday.
With Lindor dealing with a back injury that has kept him out of four Met wins this week, he’s found another way to make an impact. One of the smartest players in baseball is helping newly promoted top prospect Luisangel Acuna with his positioning at shortstop using a yellow card and a whistle. Take a look.
https://twitter.com/SNY_Mets/status/1836567456640364734
The 30-year-old was on pace to be the first shortstop to ever have two consecutive 25/25 seasons, but the injury allowed Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. to beat him to it. But, he is the first shortstop in MLB history to have three 25/25 seasons.
The Mets lead the Braves by two games, and are tied with the Diamondbacks with the tiebreaker in hand for the second spot with nine games left to play. But, All nine come against good teams, with three against the Phillies, three against the Braves, and three against the Brewers. Hopefully, Francisco Lindor can find his way back to the field soon. In the meantime, he’s doing all he can to help the team.