Francisco Lindor says he felt his back act up on him when he ran to first base on his single in the first inning.
The road ahead just got tougher.
Once again, the Phillies rallied in the final innings on Sunday, securing the series with a 2-1 walk-off victory. J.T. Realmuto delivered the game-winning hit, sending Edwin Díaz’s 0-2 fastball into right-center field.
Adding to the concern, Francisco Lindor exited the game after just one at-bat and one defensive inning due to the same lower back discomfort that had forced him out earlier in the series. Lindor is scheduled for an MRI on Monday to assess how much more time he may miss.
“Hopefully it’s nothing too concerning,” Lindor said, albeit in a more worried tone than he’d had earlier in the weekend. “The goal is to be available as many times as I can be in the last 13 games we have left.”
The Mets lost the series despite trailing at the end of just four innings, unable to protect a four-run lead in Saturday’s game against the Phillies.
“We had a couple of opportunities and didn’t get it done,” said manager Carlos Mendoza.
“We’re pretty disappointed,” closer Edwin Díaz added. “It was a tough series. The last two games, we just couldn’t finish.”
This marks the Mets’ first series loss to a National League opponent since late May, ending a franchise-best streak of 16 consecutive series without a loss.
There was consideration to walking J.T. Realmuto (who had gone 5-for-13 against Díaz) with first base open in the ninth to face Weston Wilson (or likely pinch-hitter Bryson Stott), but Mendoza trusted his closer. Díaz initially liked the placement of his 0-2 fastball to Realmuto, but after reviewing it on video, he wished he had thrown it higher in the zone. Realmuto’s hit led to the 2-1 walk-off win.
The game had been a pitchers’ duel for seven innings between left-handers David Peterson and Cristopher Sánchez, both throwing scoreless innings. The Mets broke the tie in the top of the eighth when Tyrone Taylor led off with a solo home run to left-center. However, the Mets missed a chance to extend their lead, leaving Harrison Bader stranded at third.
The Phillies quickly responded in the bottom of the eighth, with back-to-back doubles by Wilson and Buddy Kennedy off Peterson. Mendoza stood by his decision to stick with Peterson, who had been dominating through seven innings with only two hits allowed. Turning to a right-handed reliever would have brought Philadelphia’s stronger left-handed hitters off the bench.
The Mets now return home following a 3-3 road trip to face Washington for three games, followed by four more against Philadelphia. While the Nationals could offer a breather, all eyes will be on Francisco Lindor’s MRI results on Monday, as his health is crucial for the team.
“We know we need him,” Díaz acknowledged.
“When he’s not in the lineup, you feel it,” Mendoza added. “But we’ve still got good players.”
Without Lindor, the Mets’ offense was less effective on Sunday, managing only six singles and Taylor’s home run. Mark Vientos has hit his first slump of the season, with just three hits and 15 strikeouts in his last 30 at-bats. On the brighter side, J.D. Martinez showed signs of improvement, flying out twice to the warning track Sunday after being robbed of a homer on Saturday.
Despite his uncertain status, Lindor remains optimistic about the team’s chances, even if he has to miss time.
“I believe in this team,” Lindor said.
“We’ve shown it all year after tough losses,” Mendoza added. “We have the ability to come back and find a way.”
(Photo of Francisco Lindor: Eric Hartline / USA Today)
