Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was left off of Friday’s lineup against the Rockies as he continues to nurse a fractured pinky toe.
It’s the second consecutive game Lindor will not start and manager Carlos Mendoza provided an update on his superstar’s condition prior to the series opener in Colorado.
“A little bit better,” he said of Lindor’s condition. “Did some running, feeling his fracture. He’s going to continue to feel it. Was doing some cage drills and all that. Maybe we have some type of availability today.”
Lindor was seen on the field doing some running and speaking with Mendoza and the Mets training staff in warmups. While the shortstop wasn’t penciled in on Friday, the talk left Mendoza encouraged about his player’s availability this weekend.
“I feel a little bit better today than how I felt yesterday,” he said. “Watching him today, talking to him, I wouldn’t be surprised he’s in the lineup tomorrow or the next day.”
In Lindor’s place, Mendoza put rookie Ronny Mauricio at shortstop. The Mets prospect has started two games since being called up this week, both at third base. The Mets skipper explained that while they have put the work to teach Mauricio third base, his ability to hit from both sides gave him the leg up over Luisangel Acuna.
“Wanted to get a switch-hitter there,” Mendoza explained. “This is his natural position. When he started playing his rehab games this year we put him at short. Adding another switch-hitter to the lineup and give him an opportunity.”
In two games, Mauricio has yet to get a hit (0-8).
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