The New York Mets are in a strong position atop the National League East, holding a two-game lead over the surging Philadelphia Phillies with a 39-24 record. But with star shortstop Francisco Lindor now confirmed to be playing through a broken pinky toe, the team faces a delicate balancing act: keep one of their most valuable players in the lineup or give him time to heal before the season’s most challenging stretch begins.
Injury Picked Up Against Dodgers, Mets Schedule Ahead
Lindor sustained the injury on June 4 after being hit by a pitch in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Since then, he’s been visibly limping and in noticeable discomfort but has chosen to avoid the injured list for now. While his toughness is commendable, the timing of the injury and the schedule ahead suggest that resting him now could be a smart long-term move.
Francisco Lindor announced that he suffered a broken right pinky toe.
He’s considered “day-by-day” and plans to play through it. pic.twitter.com/qNZLot28HE
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 5, 2025
Over the next ten days, the Mets have a unique chance to reduce their gas usage without taking significant risks. The Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Nationals, and Colorado Rockies, three teams that are presently below .500 or having trouble staying consistent, will be their next opponents. With just 12 victories so far this season, the Rockies in particular have been among baseball’s worst teams. The Mets may be able to afford to bench Lindor over this stretch without it having a significant effect on their win-loss record.
Luisangel Acuña got the start at shortstop in the final game against the Dodgers, and while the Mets lost that game, it also served as a test run to see how the team could function without Lindor. If they can tread water during this softer part of the schedule, Lindor could be fresher for what lies ahead.
Crucial Series Vs Atlanta and Philadelphia
And the next few weeks will be no cakewalk.
The Mets will soon face back-to-back series against the Atlanta Braves and a pivotal series with the Phillies. While the Braves have underperformed this season, they remain a potent threat. Meanwhile, the Phillies, led by Bryce Harper, have been closing the gap quickly.
Lindor runs the risk of missing these crucial series entirely if he continues to struggle with his injury, which may lose the Mets ground in the playoff chase. Taking a short 10-day break now could save a month-long setback later.
The Mets have enough depth to cover Lindor’s absence for the time being, with Juan Soto and Pete Alonso leading the attack and supported by a solid pitching staff. The team’s true challenge is to ensure that they are prepared to win in September and beyond, not merely to win now.