Mets’ Francisco Lindor shares how much he was physically struggling on Wednesday

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor imposed on Austin Powers with speech bubble: 'Who does No. 2 work for?'

The New York Mets (16-15) wrapped up an eventful, hard-fought, sometimes controversial and historic four-game series with the Chicago Cubs (19-13 on Thursday, and did so with a bang. The slumping and ill Francisco Lindor became an unlikely hero in a thrilling 7-6 comeback victory over the visiting Cubbies.

The 30-year-old shortstop left Wednesday’s contentious 1-0 loss (Pete Alonso called out at home to end game) in the third inning after experiencing flu-like symptoms. He was not in the starting lineup for the afternoon series finale but was called upon as a pinch hitter in a crucial spot in the sixth.

Lindor smacked a double into right field to bring the Mets within one run of the Cubs, a prelude of what was to come several innings later. The four-time All-Star further reminded the Citi Field crowd of the damage he is capable of unleashing when he hit another double, this time spraying the ball to left, to give New York a walk-off win in the 11th.

The dugout exploded onto the field, as is customary, but this celebration felt different. Pete Alonso and company were noticeably ecstatic for Lindor. They knew how much he needed a moment like this one, following a rough first month at the plate. His health limitations only add to the heroics.

Francisco Lindor painted a rather unpleasant picture that describes just how much he was suffering in the previous matchup. “I was going to throw up at shortstop,” the two-time Gold Glove winner said postgame, per Tim Healey of Newsday Sports. “Or do No. 2 at shortstop.”

Mets fans would say Wednesday’s game concluded in a pile of excrement regardless, but it is good to know that Lindor exited before enduring a highly unfortunate and public accident.

Francisco Lindor must keep it going for Mets

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) reacts after hitting a two RBI double against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning at Citi Field.John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
The native of Puerto Rico is starting to figure things out offensively, something this team needs if it hopes to truly be a factor in the National League playoff race. Lindor is batting .207 with five home runs, 15 RBIs and a .667 OPS in 121 at-bats this season. He has started slow in the past, though, so there is optimism that a full-blown surge is coming.

If it does happen soon, people might consider this “flue game” to be the turning point. Despite not reaching the peak he captured with Cleveland in 2018 (.277 batting average, 38 homers, .519 slugging percentage and .871 OPS), Lindor has been a reliable producer for most of his Mets tenure (2021-present).

While a disappointing first year in Flushing understandably caused a panic, especially considering he signed a 10-year, $341 million contract extension right before Opening Day, the three-time Silver Slugger eventually put fans at ease. He has finished in the top-10 for NL MVP voting in each of the last two seasons.

Based on his intensity, Francisco Lindor is intent on getting back into the fray in 2024. The easy choice for a struggling player who was just battling stomach issues the night before would be to simply use Thursday as another recovery day and try to come out fresh for a weekend road series versus the Tampa Bay Rays (14-18).

Instead, No. 12 showed up for his team and home fans in a big way. He and the Mets are back in action on Friday night, with first pitch in Tropicana Field scheduled for 6:50 p.m. ET.