Mets’ Carlos Mendoza Makes Francisco Lindor Announcement After Major News on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Mar 31, 2025 8:45 PM ET

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is a classic "blue chip" piece for the organization. After spending his first five seasons with the Cleveland Indians before they traded him to the Mets in January 2021, he signed a 10-year, $341 million contract with the latter club that March.

The investment has paid off for New York thus far, as Lindor's slashing .258/.335/.459 with 110 homers and 360 RBI in 601 games since arriving. With the Mets also signing superstar slugger Juan Soto to a mega-deal this past offseason, they now have a trio of him, Lindor, and Pete Alonso.

However, Lindor didn't start against the Miami Marlins on Monday.

The four-time All-Star was held out of the lineup due to the birth of his newborn child on Sunday, but Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced he'll be available off the bench, via SNY.

Backup shortstop Luisangel Acura started in Lindor's place against Miami.

Carlos Mendoza confirms that Francisco Lindor is expected to be available off the bench today after welcoming his newborn Koa yesterday pic.twitter.com/gW5om2lUGG
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 31, 2025

Acuna made his MLB debut last season, playing in 14 games for the Mets. The 23-year-old slashed .308/.35/.641 with three homers and six RBI.

New York started the season 1-2, as it dropped its first series of the season to the Houston Astros. It lost 3-1 on Opening Day before winning 3-1 on Friday and finally losing Saturday's rubber match 2-1.

The Mets have two more games in Miami after Monday before their home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. Soto led the team with a .333 batting average, one homer, two RBI, a .538 OBP, and three hits heading into Monday's contest.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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