The New York Mets faithful received a mixed bag of injury updates on Thursday, with news that could shape the trajectory of their season. While the team has struggled to find consistency, the latest reports on three of their biggest stars offer both relief and concern.
Let's start with the brightest news: Juan Soto is back. After a scary moment Wednesday night when the $765 million superstar fouled a ball off his ankle and was forced to exit in the seventh inning, Mets fans held their breath. X-rays came back negative that evening, and manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Thursday that Soto will be in the lineup for today's game against the Detroit Tigers. It's a massive sigh of relief for a team that can ill afford to lose its marquee slugger for any extended period.
The same cannot be said for catcher Francisco Alvarez. During Tuesday's win, Alvarez injured his right knee on a swing, and the diagnosis was a torn meniscus. Mendoza revealed Thursday that Alvarez underwent surgery in the morning, and while the original recovery timeline was eight weeks, the club is optimistic he'll beat that estimate. Still, a return around mid-July seems likely, leaving a significant hole behind the plate.
Perhaps the most concerning update involves team leader Francisco Lindor. The shortstop has been sidelined since April 22 with a calf strain, and while Mendoza noted that a recent MRI shows "signs of healing," Lindor is still not close to baseball activities. Previous estimates suggested a mid-June return, but that timeline remains fluid. For a team that relies on Lindor's energy and production at the top of the lineup, every day without him is a challenge.
In the midst of these injury woes, the Mets found a spark Wednesday night when rookies AJ Ewing and Carson Benge fueled a come-from-behind, extra-innings win over the Tigers. It was a reminder that depth and young talent can keep a season afloat, even when the stars are banged up. For now, Mets fans can take comfort in knowing Soto is back in the lineup, while hoping the healing process for Alvarez and Lindor moves swiftly.