Juan Soto returns to lineup for Mets, who also get a positive progress report on Francisco Lindor

TL;DR

Juan Soto returns to the Mets' lineup after missing 15 games due to a calf strain. Francisco Lindor shows positive recovery signs from a calf injury but is not close to returning.

Key points

Juan Soto returns to the Mets' lineup as designated hitter
Francisco Lindor shows signs of healing from calf injury
Francisco Alvarez expected to miss up to eight weeks after surgery
Mets have 12 players on the injured list
Lindor has been sidelined for 18 games

New York MetsDetroit Tigers

NEW YORK (AP) — Juan Soto returned to the starting lineup Thursday for the injury-riddled New York Mets, who also learned Francisco Lindor has progressed in his recovery from a strained left calf. Soto exited a 3-2, 10-inning win over the Detroit Tigers in the seventh inning on Wednesday night, four innings after he fouled a ball off his right foot. X-rays were negative and Soto was penciled into the lineup as the designated hitter for the matinee finale against the Tigers. Manager Carlos Mendoza said Lindor, who was injured April 22 while scoring from first on a double hit by Francisco Alvarez, underwent an MRI Wednesday that showed “signs of healing,” though the All-Star shortstop is nowhere near a return. Mendoza said Lindor has been cleared to do more work in the weight room before beginning a running program. “Positive sign,” Mendoza said. “We’ve just got to let it heal.” Mendoza said there was no timetable for Lindor to begin baseball activities. Lindor has been sidelined for the Mets’ last 18 games — four more than he missed the previous four seasons combined. Alvarez, who suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee while fouling off a pitch in Tuesday’s 10-2 win over the Tigers, underwent surgery Thursday morning. Mendoza said the Mets expect Alvarez to miss up to eight weeks. Alvarez is the Mets’ 12th player currently on the injured list, joining Lindor as well as right-handers (Tommy John surgery), (fractured rib), (sprained right elbow), Dedniel Núñez (Tommy John surgery) and (lumbar spine inflammation); left-hander (left lat surgery); infielders (broken left thumb), (bruised right wrist) and (torn left meniscus); and outfielder (lumbar spine disk herniation). In addition, Soto missed 15 games last month because of a strained right calf. \\_ AP MLB:

Q&A

What is the status of Francisco Lindor's injury recovery?

Francisco Lindor has shown signs of healing in his recovery from a strained left calf but is not yet close to returning to play.

How long is Francisco Alvarez expected to be out after his surgery?

Francisco Alvarez is expected to miss up to eight weeks following surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee.

How many players are currently on the Mets' injured list?

The Mets currently have 12 players on the injured list, including key players like Francisco Lindor and Francisco Alvarez.