Francisco Lindor hits on the field as he accelerates activities following oblique injury
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor looks on from the dugout during an MLB game against Atlanta at Citi Field on July 29. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
At a time when even the most routine-seeming exercises represent exciting progress in his return from a strained right oblique, Francisco Lindor took another step forward Wednesday, hitting on the field for the first time since getting hurt.
That happened as part of what manager Luis Rojas described as a simulated game for Lindor. He hit, then ran the bases (stealing second and running home-to-first), then played the field (fielding grounders and making relay throws). Several rounds of that lasted about 45 minutes.
"He looked great," Rojas said. "It was nice to see him ramping things up."
Is his oblique completely pain-free?
"It feels good," Lindor said. "Thank God, it feels good."
Rojas said he didn’t know what else the shortstop had to do before starting a minor-league rehab assignment. Lindor is scheduled for a lighter day of baseball activity Thursday as the Mets see how his body responds, close to a month since his most recent game.
"It’s moving along," he said. "I’m just following instructions."
Full go
Carlos Carrasco said he is fully stretched out as a normal starting pitcher heading into his next start, Sunday against the Dodgers.
After his start Tuesday night against the Nationals was rained out after just three outs, he continued to throw indoors, totaling about five innings and 80 pitches with the real game and simulated game combined.
"I went as hard as I could inside there," Carrasco said. "At this point I feel good."
As the rotation turns
Marcus Stroman is penciled in for the first game of the Mets’ doubleheader against the Nationals on Thursday.
They plan to call up Trevor Williams to start the second game. He was with the team but not on the active roster Wednesday.
Acquired from the Cubs in the Javier Baez trade, Williams had a 5.06 ERA in 13 games with Chicago. The Pirates cut him last offseason.
Extra bases
Javier Baez (lower back tightness) was available off the bench but not available to start Wednesday. He struck out on three pitchers in a pinch-hit appearance during the Mets’ 8-7 win, then was out of the lineup again for their second game (which was postponed because of rain) . . . Righthander Geoff Hartlieb was the Mets’ 27th man for the second game.
