Francisco Lindor expected to return to Mets lineup for Wednesday doubleheader

Multiple reports say Francisco Lindor is expected to rejoin the Mets lineup for Game 2 of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Cubs after nearly two months out with a left calf strain.

Carlos Mendoza said the club would consult trainers and front office officials before making the final call, but later reporting on Wednesday said Lindor was expected to be in the lineup for the second game. The doubleheader is a makeup from a rainout, with first pitch set for 1:10 p.m. ET and Game 2 scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.

Rehab progression

Lindor’s return would cap a rehab stretch that included appearances with Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. He played eight innings for Syracuse on Tuesday and went 2-for-5 with two runs, a sign the Mets believed he was close to being ready.

A planned simulated game was previously washed out by rain, which delayed the final evaluation of his recovery. After that, the Mets sent him back out for another rehab game before deciding whether he could return.

Why it matters

Lindor is the Mets’ everyday shortstop when healthy and one of the lineup’s most important bats. His return would stabilize an infield and offense that have been dealing with injuries and uneven production.

The Mets are also planning to manage his workload carefully rather than immediately putting him back into an every-day grind. That means the first game back may be part of a measured ramp-up, not a full return to his normal workload.

What is still unconfirmed

The remaining question is whether Lindor is officially in the starting lineup for Game 2 or simply available off the bench. The Mets have not yet fully detailed how they will use him after the doubleheader, including whether they will build in rest days right away.