Mets Shortstop Exits Game After Just 2 Innings Due to Illness

In a concerning development for the New York Mets, their star shortstop Francisco Lindor was forced to exit Wednesday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs after just two innings due to flu-like symptoms. Lindor, who has been a picture of durability over the past two seasons, appeared visibly under the weather during his lone at-bat in the bottom of the first inning.

The 29-year-old popped out routinely to the second baseman, and then took his place in the field for the top of the second. However, when the Mets returned to the dugout, Lindor was nowhere to be seen. Utility infielder Joey Wendle, who himself had missed Sunday’s game with similar symptoms, trotted out to shortstop for the third inning.

Lindor’s early departure marked a rare occurrence for the four-time All-Star. Since the start of the 2022 campaign, only three players – Marcus Semien, Freddie Freeman, and Matt Olson – have appeared in more games than the Mets’ durable shortstop. In that stretch spanning 354 contests, Lindor has suited up on 351 occasions, showcasing incredible resilience.

His commitment to being on the field was perhaps best exemplified last June when, mere hours after his wife Katie gave birth to their second child, Lindor pinch-hit in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers. That appearance came less than 24 hours after he had been excused to witness the birth of his newborn daughter.

For a player so steadfast in making himself available, to see Lindor exit so abruptly raised immediate concerns in the Mets dugout. Manager Buck Showalter spoke guardedly after the game about his shortstop’s status, acknowledging the contagious nature of Lindor’s symptoms.

“We’re going to have to be cautious with Frankie over the next couple of days,” Showalter stated. “He’s run down, body aches, the whole nine yards. We’ll get him checked out by the medical staff and make sure it doesn’t spread through the rest of the clubhouse.”

In Lindor’s absence, the onus will fall on Wendle and Luis Guillorme to handle shortstop duties. Wendle replaced Lindor seamlessly on Wednesday, recording two hits while driving in the game-winning run in the Mets’ 4-3 victory.

However, there’s no denying the impact of losing Lindor, who has been a lynchpin in the Mets’ lineup from the moment he signed a 10-year, $341 million contract extension in April 2022. Entering Wednesday’s action, the shortstop was slashing .241/.333/.440 with six home runs and 19 driven in.

More importantly, Lindor’s presence alone provides a significant boost, as teammates rave about his tireless work ethic, infectious energy, and veteran leadership. It’s those intangible qualities, paired with his dynamic talents, that have made Lindor a cornerstone for the Mets as they pursue their first World Series title since 1986.

As they await further updates on their shortstop’s condition, the Mets must forge ahead and find a way to withstand Lindor’s absence, no matter how brief. While depth has been a strength for this ball club, there’s simply no replacing the multifaceted impact of a healthy, productive Francisco Lindor.