Lindor begins rehab assignment on Saturday, could rejoin Mets early next week

Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor will begin a minor league rehab assignment on Saturday, and could potentially be activated from the injured list early next week.

Lindor has not played since April 22 after straining his left calf. He will play in a game for Double-A Binghamton on Saturday, and depending on weather conditions, he may either continue with Binghamton or move up to Triple-A Syracuse on Monday. At that point, the team will reassess his recovery and consider activating him.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza stated, "We know he'll play two games."

Outfielder Tyrone Taylor is also set to begin a minor league rehab assignment on Saturday as he recovers from a right hip flexor strain.

However, the Mets expect Lindor to recover faster than Taylor, as Lindor has been participating in simulated games at Citi Field over the past week and a half, accumulating consistent at-bats and ground ball work in a controlled environment. If he responds well to the less controlled game conditions in the minors, two rehab games might be enough for him to return, even though he has been out for nearly two months.

Lindor is scheduled to play five to six innings in his first rehab game on Saturday.

Mendoza said, "He knows his body better than anyone. He'll tell us if he needs more at-bats or how he feels physically, and then we'll make a decision."

Regardless of how long it takes for Lindor to return, the Mets will be thrilled to welcome back one of the most important players on the roster. The five-time All-Star finished second in National League MVP voting two years ago. Although he had a .669 OPS in 24 games before the calf strain, he remains one of the most well-rounded players in the league.

Lindor's injury has arguably been the most significant setback for the Mets this season. The team has been without at least one-third of its Opening Day lineup for most of the year. Heading into Friday's series opener against the Phillies in Philadelphia, the Mets had a 25-25 record with Lindor out of the lineup.

"We know what he means, what he brings to this team, his presence, the position he plays, and the type of player he is," Mendoza said. "I think it's a good thing for everyone in the clubhouse to know 'he's almost back.' Because I'm pretty sure those guys had no idea how close he was. But now that we have this news, I believe they'll feel it."

Once Lindor returns, Bo Bichette will shift from shortstop to third base, which will likely reduce Brett Baty's playing time. Baty has been starting mostly at third base, but he can also get into the lineup at first, second, or right field. However, he will need to show more at the plate to secure consistent at-bats. Baty might also take some playing time at second base away from struggling veteran Marcus Semien.