Overview
- Francisco Lindor is scheduled to play a two-inning simulated game on Friday as a key checkpoint in a staged return from his left calf strain.
- Mets president David Stearns said the team expects Lindor to play games this month while stressing they will move as fast as possible without rushing his recovery.
- Manager Carlos Mendoza described the work as controlled simulations, noting Lindor has taken live at-bats and handled ground balls but has not yet run the bases.
- Reports say Lindor privately targets a June 20 comeback, but that date is unconfirmed and the club says final clearance depends on full-speed running tests, medical review and likely a short minor-league rehab stint.
- Lindor played only 24 games this season after a February hamate procedure, and his absence has left the Mets with a thin offense and lineup shuffling that could influence trade-deadline decisions.