The New York Mets entered Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates looking to complete the sweep and open the season with a third straight win. That plan did not materialize, as New York fell 4‑3 in extra innings.
One of the biggest storylines coming out of the loss centered on shortstop Francisco Lindor. In the bottom of the tenth inning, with the Mets trailing by two, Lindor worked a walk to lead off the frame putting two runners on base.
Juan Soto followed with a double, and Lindor was waved home in an attempt to score what would have been the tying run. He was thrown out at the plate on a strong relay, and the Mets went on to strand Soto and lose the game.
The larger concern was Lindor’s health. As he slid into home, Pirates catcher Henry Davis applied a hard tag near Lindor’s head. Lindor remained on the ground for several moments before eventually walking off under his own power. Because the contest ended shortly after, it was unclear whether he would have stayed in had the game continued.
Fortunately for the Mets, manager Carlos Mendoza eased concerns during his postgame availability. Mendoza spoke with reporters and announced that Lindor was okay after the collision and was simply shaken up in the moment (h/t Anthony DiComo of MLB.com).
Lindor already had a stressful spring after suffering a fractured left hamate bone in February, an injury that put his Opening Day status in doubt. Any additional setback would have been a major blow for New York, but the team avoided that outcome. Lindor’s next chance to return to the field will come Monday on the road against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Now in his sixth season with the Mets after being acquired ahead of the 2021 campaign from the Cleveland Guardians, Lindor has been everything New York hoped for when it signed him long term.
The 32‑year‑old has finished tenth in National League MVP voting in four straight seasons while earning two Silver Slugger Awards and an All‑Star selection. He remains in the middle of his 10‑year, $341 million contract extension signed in 2021, a deal that runs through 2031.
Lindor continues to chase his first World Series ring, and so do the Mets, who have not won a title in four decades. His health will be essential to any hopes of ending that drought.
Related: Mets Lose Player to White Sox After Pirates Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.