The New York Mets received a much-needed boost Thursday as Juan Soto returned to the starting lineup, giving the injury-riddled squad a spark in their series finale against the Detroit Tigers. But the good news didn't stop there—the team also got an encouraging update on star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who is making progress in his recovery from a strained left calf.
Soto, who exited Wednesday's 3-2, 10-inning win after fouling a ball off his right foot in the third inning, was cleared following negative X-rays. The slugger was penciled in as the designated hitter for the matinee finale, providing a welcome lift to a lineup that has been decimated by injuries this season.
Manager Carlos Mendoza revealed that Lindor, who has been sidelined since April 22 after injuring his calf while scoring from first on a Francisco Alvarez double, underwent an MRI on Wednesday that showed "signs of healing." While the All-Star shortstop is still far from a return, the news represents a positive step forward for a team that has been navigating a crowded injured list.
"Positive sign," Mendoza said. "We've just got to let it heal." Lindor has been cleared to increase his workload in the weight room before starting a running program, though there is no timetable for him to resume baseball activities. The 18 games he has missed so far already surpass the total he missed over the previous four seasons combined.
The injury report wasn't all positive, however. Catcher Francisco Alvarez underwent surgery Thursday morning for a torn meniscus in his right knee, suffered while fouling off a pitch in Tuesday's win. Mendoza said the team expects Alvarez to miss up to eight weeks, adding another name to a staggering list that now includes 12 players on the injured list.
Among those sidelined are right-handers Reed Garrett, Justin Hagenman, Tylor Megill, Dedniel Núñez, and Kodai Senga; left-hander A.J. Minter; infielders Ronny Mauricio, Jorge Polanco, and Jared Young; and outfielder Luis Robert Jr. Soto himself missed 15 games last month with a strained right calf, underscoring the depth of the team's challenges.
For a Mets squad fighting to stay afloat in a competitive division, every bit of good news matters. Soto's return and Lindor's progress offer a glimmer of hope in what has been a season defined by adversity—and a reminder that even the toughest lineups need a little luck to stay in the game.