Francisco Lindor returns to Mets lineup before game rained out

The Mets received that measure of good news on Wednesday, as the four-time All-Star was set to start as their leadoff hitter and shortstop against the Braves at Truist Park. That game and Thursday’s series finale were both postponed and rescheduled as a doubleheader in Atlanta on Monday, however, giving Lindor two additional days of rest. Barring an unexpected setback, Lindor should be in there for Friday’s opener in Milwaukee.

“He was feeling good today,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “That’s why he was in the lineup. He’s going to work out, hit in the cages, move around, and we’ll see how he continues to progress. But we’re buying him an extra day or two here.”

The Mets’ best hitter this season, Lindor has been sidelined since Sept. 15 with lower back pain. He injured his back in a Sept. 13 game against the Phillies, appeared two days later for an inning but exited early due to continued pain.

The Mets will take anything they can get from Lindor in their final five games against the contending Brewers and Braves. He had played every game of the season until injuring his back and has slashed .271/.342/.494 with 31 homers across 148 games overall.