Francisco Lindor confirms unfortunate injury diagnosis
The post Francisco Lindor confirms unfortunate injury diagnosis appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Pete Alonso hammered the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, launching two home runs in the New York Mets' dominant 6-1 victory. New York has now won four of six games against the Dodgers this season. But the team's latest win came at a cost.
Advertisement
Francisco Lindor announced he sustained a fractured pinky toe on his right foot against the Dodgers, according to ESPN's Jorge Castillo. The Gold Glove shortstop is listed as day-to-day with the injury but believes he'll avoid the IL. His ability to play will ultimately come down to pain tolerance.
Francisco Lindor out of Mets lineup with injury
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The injury occurred in the first inning of Wednesday's game. Lindor took an 89 mph Tony Gonsolin slider off his foot. He was able to stay in the game, eventually coming around to score on a Juan Soto sacrifice, giving the Mets an early 1-0 advantage.
Lindor actually played the rest of the game, going 0-4 with a strikeout and a run scored. However, the injury was discovered following the Mets' victory and the four-time All-Star is not in the lineup for Thursday's series finale against the Dodgers.
Advertisement
Mookie Betts experienced a similar situation recently. Betts broke a toe on his right foot after stubbing it at home. He was listed as day-to-day but managed to avoid the IL. He ultimately missed four games due to the injury, including the Dodgers' World Series rematch against the New York Yankees.
Lindor is putting together another strong season for the Mets. He's slashing .279/.353/.490 with 14 home runs, 36 RBI, 42 runs scored, a 141 OPS+ and 2.2 bWAR in 61 games. And Lindor is on the verge of breaking the franchise record for leadoff home runs in a season. He's currently started six games by going deep. Curtis Granderson holds New York's single-season record with seven such games.
The Mets have won nine of their last 11 games, improving to 39-23. New York moved to the top of the division with a 1.5 game lead over the second-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. And Lindor has been a major catalyst for the team's success as the Mets have a 27-game win streak when he homers.
Related: Mets' Pete Alonso defends Juan Soto with youthful reminder
Related: Pete Alonso hammers Dodgers with 447 foot blast
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
27 minutes ago
- New York Times
Twenty things I'm hearing and watching for on MLB trade deadline with 50 days to go
The MLB trade deadline is now just 50 days away. Where did the time go? Each trade deadline is different in terms of the buyers and sellers and the magnitude of moves, and this year will be no different. So, what can we expect, beyond the unexpected, this trade season? I've been talking and texting with front office executives and evaluators throughout baseball to gauge how the early trade conversations are going. Here are 20 things I'm hearing, watching for, and thinking about with 50 days until the July 31 trade deadline. 1. The Orioles and Diamondbacks will be the headliners of the trade deadline if they decide to be 'sellers.' Baltimore would be able to dangle starting pitchers like Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano and position players like Cedric Mullins and Ryan O'Hearn, among others. All five will be free agents after this season. Arizona has four significant impending free agents it could trade including starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly as well as both of its infield corners, first baseman Josh Naylor and third baseman Eugenio Suárez. Advertisement 2. After subpar starts, the Braves, Red Sox and Rangers don't appear to be postseason teams this year, but most in the industry believe they will make trades to try to improve their respective rosters for the rest of this season and next rather than being typical sellers. The Braves will focus on acquiring more pitching (starting and relieving). The Red Sox will try to deal one of their outfielders for starting pitching help and an upgrade at first base. The Rangers will generally look for bats if they can't get their own guys going. 3. The front offices of most of the contending teams are underwhelmed by the players the obvious sellers — the Athletics, Marlins, Pirates, White Sox and Rockies — have to dangle for potential deals. GO DEEPER MLB trade targets to address the biggest need for each contending team 4. The Angels, who are currently a game below .500, don't seem inclined to be sellers right now, but that should change by the end of July; if that happens, they'll have two power bats they could offer in DH Jorge Soler and LF Taylor Ward, along with starting pitcher Tyler Anderson and closer Kenley Jansen. 5. Among their counterparts, front-office executives believe Orioles general manager Mike Elias and Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto are under the most pressure at this year's trade deadline. Elias because he seems to be focusing on adding a top-of-the-rotation starter and doesn't appear to have the mindset to be a seller right now, though, in my opinion, he probably should be. His job could be on the line this trade deadline. In terms of Dipoto, many in the industry believe he should add a significant bat to Seattle's lineup; with such a strong farm system and ownership willing to increase payroll, there is no excuse not to this year. 6. The Mets and Phillies look headed for an epic division race in the NL East, but between now and July 31 they're also in a race to see which team can bolster its bullpen the best. According to industry sources, both organizations are focused on high-leverage arms and will be chasing similar relievers. Advertisement 7. The Padres know they need another bat to lengthen their lineup and are focused on acquiring a left fielder. They might be willing to again dangle their best prospects to get it done as they try to take advantage of their roster's window to win a World Series. 8. The Dodgers are most focused on getting their starting pitchers healthy and back on the mound including Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki and Tony Gonsolin. If the Dodgers can get them healthy for the stretch run, they really don't have an obvious need to address at the deadline. They have the best offense and lineup in baseball, top to bottom, and when healthy, arguably the best rotation, too. But can their pitchers get healthy? If not, the Dodgers will look to trade for yet another starter. 9. The Royals are shopping for corner outfield help and realize they'll probably have to trade one of their top catching prospects to make it happen. 10. The Mariners appear to be focused on acquiring a middle-of-the-order bat, either a first baseman or third baseman, and have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball from which to trade. They match up perfectly with the Diamondbacks for either Naylor or a reunion with Suárez. GO DEEPER MLB trade deadline Urgency Index 1.0: Who needs what? Who needs it most? 11. The Cardinals will be open-minded about adding at the trade deadline, but if things go south in the coming weeks, don't expect them to turn into traditional sellers. They are committed to building for the long term so expect every move they make between now and the deadline to reflect that approach. Being open to adding doesn't mean if they get the right offer for closer Ryan Helsley or a starting pitcher like Erick Fedde or Miles Mikolas, they won't jump on it — they will. All three will be free agents after this season. 12. Don't expect the Marlins to trade Sandy Alcantara (7.14 ERA over 13 starts) while his value is down. Instead, they're expected to keep him until he regains his Cy Young Award form, which might not happen until later this year and maybe even next. They can always shop Alcantara, who is coming off Tommy John surgery, in the offseason or the next trade deadline. (His contract includes a $21 million team option for 2027.) However, the Marlins will listen to inquiries on their corner outfielders this summer since teams like the Padres and Royals might overpay for Kyle Stowers or Jesús Sánchez. Advertisement 13. The Nationals are looking for an ace to pair with MacKenzie Gore at the top of their rotation. That will be their priority at the trade deadline and in the offseason. It appears their ownership could be willing to spend more in the offseason to make impactful moves and start getting serious about trying to contend. 14. The Tigers are for real. They'll be aggressive at the trade deadline to bolster their bullpen and lengthen their lineup, with a power-hitting third baseman being their biggest need. Like the Mariners, a reunion with the Diamondbacks' Suárez could be the best fit. Arizona could put Jordan Lawlar at third base to build for next year and let him work on his development in the majors in the second half of the season. 15. As we've written many times, the Pirates have no interest in trading Paul Skenes as this year's deadline. However, multiple GMs have told me that won't stop them from making serious offers to acquire him. And, if you're the Pirates, you have to listen because you have so many needs to fill — on your big-league team and also in your farm system. The return for Skenes in a trade would have to be even more than the haul the Nationals got for Juan Soto at the 2022 deadline. However, he is the best pitcher in baseball, with four more years of team control, so it arguably would be worth paying that type of package. I learned long ago in baseball … never say never. 16. The Cubs have a clear path to an NL Central title and are planning to be aggressive at the trade deadline, looking for a strong starting pitcher and bullpen help. 17. The Giants believe in stability and continuity so, outside of adding another bat, don't expect a lot of moves from them at this deadline. They need more offense — they rank 24th in OPS — and could use an upgrade at first base or in right field. Naylor would be a good fit because he's a rental and wouldn't block their top prospect, first baseman Bryce Eldridge. The Giants usually don't like short-term solutions, but in this case, it would make sense. 18. The Blue Jays have made acquiring a starting pitcher their priority at this trade deadline. They match up well with the Diamondbacks for one of their impending free-agent starters, Gallen or Kelly, if Arizona decides to sell, or perhaps with the Angels for Anderson. 19. Similar to recent years, the Guardians have been asking around about the availability of possible right-field upgrade options, hoping to improve the production in the middle of their lineup. Advertisement 20. There is a lot of buzz in the industry that Braves manager Brian Snitker and Rangers manager Bruce Bochy could retire at season's end, which would be a big loss for the sport. Both are classy people with impressive track records who have been great for the game. It's disappointing that both of their teams might look to sell at this year's deadline. That said, I would never bet against either one of them or the teams they manage. (Illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic; Photos: Steph Chambers, Kevin C. Cox, Matthew J. Lee / Getty Images)
New York Times
36 minutes ago
- New York Times
Phillies MLB trade deadline primer: 3 early storylines to watch
There is an absolute in the years since Dave Dombrowski assumed control of the Phillies, and that is an active trade deadline. He has engineered 12 deadline trades in four years. He acquired two players — Brandon Marsh and Edmundo Sosa — at the 2022 deadline who are still on his roster. He's obtained others — Ian Kennedy, Rodolfo Castro and Austin Hays — who left less of a mark on the Phillies. Advertisement Dombrowski figures to be active again come July; these Phillies are in deep with a $305 million payroll. They still have flaws. The Phillies entered this season attempting to strike a difficult balance; they did not sign a free agent to a multi-year contract over the offseason, and resisted trading their best prospects. This, then, was a bridge year. The Phillies are trying to win, but without sacrificing everything. It makes this a fascinating deadline for Dombrowski, who has to issue a referendum on this roster's chances for a World Series title. Dombrowski has never been afraid to flip middle-tier prospects in July trades. He has protected his best farmhands at previous deadlines. The Phillies went deep into trade talks last summer with the Chicago White Sox regarding Garrett Crochet, a deal that would have required surrendering a massive prospect package. Those talks fizzled. There might not be a player of Crochet's caliber available at this year's July 31 deadline. Even if there is, Dombrowski has made Andrew Painter untouchable. Other prospects might have since ascended to that status. Here's a primer on what to monitor in the weeks ahead. It's no secret the Phillies will look to fortify their bullpen. It is a familiar need. The Phillies searched for bullpen help at the 2022 and 2024 trade deadlines; they went with 'proven veteran' types like David Robertson and Carlos Estévez. Under Dombrowski, the Phillies have targeted velocity when building a bullpen. They had the hardest-throwing bullpen in baseball in 2023 and the third-hardest in 2024. They've dipped to sixth in 2025 — that includes José Alvarado's high-powered fastballs from earlier this season. They could be hunting in July for more velocity. Dombrowski will go into this trade deadline knowing he'll have Alvarado, suspended by MLB until Aug. 18, for the season's final six weeks. The lefty is ineligible for the postseason if the Phillies qualify. They do not know how effective Alvarado will be upon his return, but that adds a layer to Dombrowski's decision-making. Advertisement So does this: The Phillies might have a surplus of starting pitching, depending on Aaron Nola's health and Andrew Painter's ascension, which could bump some starters to the bullpen in August or September. This matters too: This year's postseason schedule calls for an extra off day during the National League Division Series, which means a team would need only three starters in a five-game series. So a bullpen acquisition at the trade deadline has to be more than a marginal one; the Phillies might not be looking for someone to help them reach October, rather someone who can be trusted to pitch in high-leverage postseason situations. That is a high bar. Whether that pitcher becomes available or the Phillies decide to meet the price remains to be seen. Here lies, yet again, another festering problem. The Phillies entertained an outfield addition at the 2023 trade deadline, but opted to stick with Johan Rojas in center and Brandon Marsh in left. They plucked Hays from the Baltimore Orioles last July, only to see that transaction flop when Hays suffered myriad injuries. They tried another marginal addition over the offseason by signing Max Kepler to a one-year, $10 million deal. The outfield free-agent market has not borne much fruit: Anthony Santander, Tyler O'Neill, Michael Conforto and Jurickson Profar (suspended) have all struggled for various reasons. The only free-agent outfielder from the middle class who has produced, Harrison Bader, is having his best season in years. The Phillies made a bet on Kepler as a bounce-back candidate. They have hidden him against lefties through a platoon, yet Kepler is a below-average hitter overall in 2025. He's played an average left field. If the Phillies want an outfield reinforcement in July, they might have to think creatively again. Many contenders are seeking a right-handed bat. Left field, at least in the past, would be a logical place to stick one. Advertisement The Phillies entered the week tied for 25th in home runs by right-handed hitters. They've averaged 102 homers from righties over the past four seasons. They are on pace for 64 in 2025. The last time they did not have a righty who bashed 20 homers in a season (excluding 2020) was 2015. Slugging numbers are down across the sport, rendering any available power hitter a hot commodity. Some teams could simply double down on pitching and defense. The Phillies have one of the worst defensive outfields in baseball. If they cannot obtain power, maybe they rearrange things to optimize for defense. This qualifies as a good problem for the Phillies to solve, considering how much Mick Abel's stock has risen following a forgettable 2024 season. He's pitched with conviction in the majors. He has emerged as a more confident strike-thrower; it is a transformation that could entice other clubs. Abel, for now, is crucial rotation depth because Nola could be sidelined through the All-Star break. At that point, if Nola is ready, Abel would probably return to the minors. Sometime in July, the Phillies expect Andrew Painter to factor into their rotation plans. That would bump Abel even further down the depth chart. If the Phillies retain Abel, he'd still be on the outside of an initial 2026 rotation projection. The Phillies have Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez and Nola under contract, with Jesús Luzardo and Painter under club control. All of this must factor into the calculus the Phillies use in assessing Abel's place in the organization. Should the Phillies believe Abel's transformation merits a longer look, they could toy with the idea of him as a reliever for the stretch run, then revisit things in the offseason. The Phillies will receive calls on Aroon Escobar, a stocky infielder who hits the ball hard. The 20-year-old Venezuelan generated interest among clubs at last year's trade deadline despite being sidelined by persistent shin splints. Eduardo Tait, a big-bodied catcher who does not turn 19 until August, is a potential trade chip. Rival evaluators have questioned whether Tait sticks behind the plate, but that is not a universal opinion. The job requirements for a big-league catcher could be drastically different by the time Tait reaches the majors. (Top photo of Dave Dombrowski: Eric Hartline / Imagn Images)
New York Post
37 minutes ago
- New York Post
Griffin Canning may be odd man out when injured starters return to Mets' rotation
Access the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. Try it free There are reasons to believe Griffin Canning can put a few nice starts together and make a case to crack the NL All-Star team. There are also reasons for the Mets to wonder how long he will remain in the rotation. Advertisement Such is the state of the club's rotation, whose impressive depth could mean danger for any member whose effectiveness wanes. Within the next few weeks, the Mets — who entered play Wednesday with the best rotation ERA in baseball — are expected to make two additions to a group that does not have many obvious arms to subtract. Frankie Montas will make his fifth rehab start Friday with Triple-A Syracuse, with whom he is expected to clear 80 pitches. Advertisement Sean Manaea is set to make his third rehab start Sunday — location TBD — when he could stretch out to about 60 pitches. If both return healthy and capable, the Mets would have to make what Carlos Mendoza hopes is a 'difficult decision' — and one that the Mets manager said is not yet being discussed. 'It usually plays itself out,' the manager said, referring to either injury or ineffectiveness striking, before the Mets blanked the Nationals 5-0 at Citi Field on Wednesday. 'We're still at least two weeks away from making those decisions.' 4 Griffin Canning, who has been a pleasant surprise in the Mets' rotation, could be the odd man out when Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas return from injuries. Jason Szenes / New York Post Advertisement Kodai Senga owns a 1.59 ERA. Clay Holmes' ERA sits at 2.95. David Peterson has a 2.49 ERA following his complete-game shutout in Wednesday's 5-0 win over the Nationals. Tylor Megill is statistically the weakest link, but how many teams would love to have a hard-throwing fifth starter with a 3.76 ERA? 4 Sean Manaea is set to make his third rehab start Sunday when he could stretch out to about 60 pitches. Corey Sipkin for New York Post Advertisement If Megill — who can be optioned to Triple-A Syracuse — gets booted for Montas, the arm most likely to go for Manaea would be Canning, who cannot be optioned. Such a move would seem nearly unthinkable for an ostensible fourth starter who has appeared to find himself in Queens and is 6-2 with a 3.22 ERA. But if the Mets send Canning to the bullpen or use him as a spot starter when a sixth starter is needed, he would understand. 4 Frankie Montas, signing autographs for fans at the beginning of spring training, will make his fifth rehab start Friday with Triple-A Syracuse, with whom he is expected to clear 80 pitches. Corey Sipkin for New York Post 'It's out of my control,' Canning said Wednesday. 'It's been super fun being a part of this team. We all just want to win. So I think whatever they think is best. 'I think we'll just cross that bridge when we get there.' Canning was brought in as a $4.25 million depth option and has pitched like a steal, even if he has been hit harder in his past four starts. Advertisement He pitched to a 2.47 ERA nine outings into the season before letting up 10 earned runs in his past 17 innings (5.29 ERA), including surrendering four runs in 5 ¹/₃ innings Tuesday. He was victimized by three hits (including a home run) from Washington's CJ Abrams, all from pitches either outside the zone or on the edge. He was not serving up meatballs — the pitches were located and thrown well. A day later, he regretted throwing down and away to Abrams. 4 Griffin Canning Jason Szenes / New York Post Advertisement 'Maybe just right pitches, maybe wrong location,' he said. Canning was not destroyed and was coming off six brilliant, scoreless innings at Dodger Stadium. But any sign of weakness from a Mets starter at this point leaves a rotation spot in doubt. Advertisement And if Megill, Canning or another gets odd-man-outed of a rolling rotation, there would be a spotlight on Manaea and Montas once they are ready to help. While Manaea looked sharp in 2 ²/₃ scoreless innings Tuesday with High-A Brooklyn, Montas has allowed 12 runs in 12 minor league innings, most recently letting up three runs on four hits and two walks in 3 ²/₃ innings with Syracuse on Sunday. Mendoza said Montas has been working with pitching coach Jeremy Hefner to clean up his mechanics and that the club is 'not too concerned right now' about the poor results. Montas will make at least one more rehab start and potentially more. 'This is kind of like spring training for him,' Mendoza said of Montas. 'It's hard to put too much into it.'
