Mets loss further proves why Francisco Lindor belongs in the MVP conversation

The New York Mets undergo yet another heartbreaking loss to the Philadelphia Phillies without their star shortstop, Francisco Lindor. After trying to make a quick return for the rubber game of the series, Lindor had to be pulled after just one inning.

He told reporters after the game that his back felt a little weak as he took a couple of steps towards first base. For a person who rarely misses the opportunity to take the field, he had to be in a good amount of pain. Lindor was sorely missed in the final moments of what was yet another must-win game for the Mets.

Lack of Run Support

The Mets struggled to supply David Peterson with a decent lead and barely got the offense moving. They did not put any runs up on the board until the top of the 8th inning where Tyrone Taylor smacked a home run out to left center field. The only other time the Mets had a runner in scoring position came within that same inning and Brandon Nimmo was unable to cash in the insurance run.

It is times like this where one big hit can be exactly what the Mets need to overcome the odds and grab the victory. If we take a look back at the Blue Jays series it was Lindor's game-tying home run after being no-hit into the 9th which triggered the offense to wake up and tack on 5 more runs.

Lindor has risen to the occasion so many different times whether that be with a clutch offensive hit or a major defensive play in the field. He currently has a batting average of .271 with 31 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases. He is also currently 3rd in the National League and 8th in all of baseball in WAR.

Another thing that is of note is the fact that Lindor is 6th in the MLB for extra-base hits in 2024. To be that productive on both ends of the game is extremely impressive which is why he cannot be overlooked in the MVP voting especially if the Mets reach the playoffs this season.

Return Date

Lindor shed light on how he is going to approach his injury within the next couple of days, specifically what his plan is for tomorrow. "We are going to have to reevaluate tomorrow and do some images," said Lindor. "See if there is anything concerning there, if not then we continue to try and get better. The goal is to be available as many times as I can in these last 14/15 games that we have left."

Hopefully, Lindor can come back sooner rather than later because the Mets are going to need him in such a crucial part of their 2024 season.