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Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets looks on against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The New York Mets have been without star infielder Francisco Lindor for almost a month after he injured his calf around the same time Juan Soto returned from his calf injury.

In the time since Lindor has been sidelined, the Mets haven’t performed well. New York is currently 20-26, and remains in the cellar of the National League East. However, the Mets did recently win the Subway Series over the weekend, and did receive an encouraging (ish) update on Francisco Lindor’s potential return.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post wrote (on May 18): “Mets have hope star SS Francisco Lindor (calf) may be back in about a month, though they aren’t putting a timetable on it. No timetable on Polanco or Robert Jr.”

Perhaps more concerning is the fact that Jorge Polanco and Robert Jr. might not be close to returning, which is just the story of the Mets’ 2026 season, with new additions not playing their part.

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When Will Francisco Lindor Return to Mets?

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 23: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets returns to the dugout after greeting teammates following his team’s win over the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field on April 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Heather Khalifa/Getty Images)

CBSSports also writes:

“An MRI last week showed that Lindor’s left calf strain is healing, but not yet to the point that he has been cleared for baseball activities. The star shortstop has already been sidelined for nearly one month of action, and he still has approximately one more month to go. New York has been utilizing Bo Bichette at shortstop and Brett Baty at third base of late while Lindor remains shelved.”

About a week ago, there was no timetable for Lindor’s return, so this report by Jon Heyman is certainly a good sign. The Mets desperately need their star infielder back if they are going to make any sort of playoff push in the later months of the season. All things considered, given the Mets had a 10+ game losing streak, 20-26 isn’t the worst record in MLB, and they are just a few games away from being in third place in the NL East.

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Francisco Lindor’s Time with the Mets

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 21: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets celebrates his three run home run in the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field on April 21, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Francisco Lindor signed a massive 10-year, $341 million contract with the Mets before the 2022 season. In 24 games with New York this season, Lindor has two home runs, two doubles, and two triples. He had a Hamate bone injury coming into the season, and then this calf injury has kept him sidelined and unable to produce.

However, for the past several seasons, Lindor has been a staple of the New York Mets lineup.

In his six seasons in Queens, Lindor has 143 home runs, 150 doubles, and an OPS+ of 122. He’s also one of the premier defenders at the shortstop position.

Part of the reason New York has struggled so much this season is because of the inconsistency around the infield.

As CBS Sports indicated, the Mets have had to shuffle around players like Brett Baty and Bo Bichette at shortstop. If the Mets can just get to .500 by the time Lindor returns, they could be in good shape as the MLB Wild Card race tightens, and the MLB trade deadline looms.

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