Mets “concerned” about Francisco Lindor’s back pain

PHILADELPHIA – If there is one thing the Mets cannot afford on their way to the playoffs, it is the loss of Francisco Lindor.

Although the shortstop and Carlos Mendoza are confident that the back pain that sidelined Lindor in Friday’s 11-3 win over the Phillies is not serious, the Mets will no doubt hold their breath until he is back on the field.

“It takes a lot to take Francisco out of a game,” Brandon Nimmo said. “We’re definitely worried about him. We know he’s obviously an important part of this team. We wouldn’t be here without him.”

Lindor sustained the injury early in the sixth inning when he awkwardly stepped to second base after a base hit to center, allowing Harrison Bader to score a run, giving the Mets a 7-0 lead.

Lindor said he didn’t expect the throw to reach second base so quickly, and by the time he noticed, it was too late to slide.

He left the base and got into a rundown between second and third before slipping and being taken out of the game.

Lindor stayed in the game and played defense in the second half of the sixth inning before being substituted in the next inning.

When asked if he expected to play on Saturday, Lindor said, “I hope so. I’m proud to be available every day.”

In a closer game, Lindor said, he probably would have stayed on the field, but the team decided not to push for it.

Mendoza spoke to Lindor on the phone every day. He has played in every game this season.

When asked if he was worried that the pain would cost him time, Lindor said, “I hope not,” adding that it was still “close” even after the win.

He was treated in the closing stages of the game and said he would see how he felt when he woke up Saturday before he and the Mets decided whether he would be back in the lineup.

With Lindor out of the game, Jose Iglesias moved from second base to shortstop and rookie Eddy Alvarez came in at second.

The Mets don’t have a true backup shortstop and are already eyeing Iglesias’ playing time at second base with Jeff McNeil out for the rest of the regular season.