Francisco Lindor's Bad Injury Update and 2 Must-Add Fantasy Baseball Replacements

Apr 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) runs after hitting a double against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The New York Mets got Juan Soto back, but they lost Francisco Lindor. It feels like a brutal trade-off for wins and a tough time to be a Mets fan. Nonetheless, the team has won two games in a row, and while Lindor is out, other opportunities will arise. As a fantasy baseball manager, you may need to pivot to your bench or the waiver wire. Let us be your guiding light.

Fantasy Baseball Impact

It is no secret that Lindor has struggled to start the 2026 MLB season. At shortstop, Lindor ranks 17th at his position in fantasy baseball. On the season, he is batting .226 with just 5 RBIs. Lindor had actually begun to heat up, with 4 RBIs in his last two games, but he will now be out for over a month with a calf strain.

Lindor's absence will lead to the arrival of Ronny Mauricio. The Mets infielder is expected to play a lot of shortstop and/or third base while Lindor is out, rotating back and forth with Bo Bichette. With big power and great defense, Mauricio has the potential to rise in fantasy baseball and is not a bad stash. His upside is quite high, although he is still too volatile to start in fantasy baseball at this very moment. He has just one hit in eight at-bats in 2026.

The top rising shortstop on the waiver wire is Xander Bogaerts of the . He is rostered in fewer than 50% of leagues, yet Bogaerts has a .289 batting average, an .810 OPS, and four home runs in fewer than 100 at-bats. We know from Bogaerts' days that he can be a top-10 shortstop in baseball. Pick him up.