3 Mets playoff roadblocks that could get in the way of playing October baseball

In the second-half of September, the New York Mets are playing relevant baseball. It’s the bare minimum of what we demanded heading into this season; at least make a push to get into the playoffs.

Your expectations might’ve changed. Seeing a playoff spot right there for the taking, putting the foot on the gas and blasting through the roadblocks ahead is the only way to satisfy the majority of us.

Want October Mets baseball? You better hope they can drive through these three roadblocks that could get in the way.

1) The Francisco Lindor injury

One player shouldn’t make or break a team’s shot at the playoffs. Somehow it’s precisely where the Mets lie. It’s especially interesting that without Francisco Lindor in the lineup they’re able to easily put Jose Iglesias in at shortstop (or Luisangel Acuna if they choose). The drop off from Lindor to whoever replaces him in the lineup is big, but larger is the presence of Lindor at the top of the order.

The moment the Mets moved Lindor to the leadoff spot was when things started to turn for the better. Although they had to go through their rocky finish in May to eventually get on the right path, it was the decision to bat Lindor first that altered his season and completely reinvigorated the lineup.

Lindor’s back injury is expected to last a few more days. A vague “2-3 days” followed by a “3-5 days” from the man himself doesn’t give a close enough estimate.

The troubling fact about the Mets is that they haven’t hit much at all in September. Lindor has remained their most prolific offensive player. With no signs of someone else about to break out and take home Player of the Month honors, his absence is as noticeable as a bite mark on a burger you just unwrapped from your favorite fast food joint.