Francisco Lindor has carried much of this Mets season on his shoulders – metaphorically and, given his recent injury, literally. On Monday, as they faced the reality of playing part of this crucial final stretch without their team MVP, it was time for his teammates to return the favor.
Sean Manaea understood the task. So did Jose Iglesias. And so did Starling Marte – who came in two days after he thought he had broken his arm and delivered a walk-off RBI single as the Mets beat the Nationals 2-1 in 10 innings at Citi Field. Atlanta was thrashed by the Dodgers, meaning the Mets are sole owners of the final wild-card spot with 12 games to go in the season.
It was Marte’s 11th career walk-off RBI, which is even more impressive because no one knew until Sunday if he had broken his arm after being hit by a 98-mph fastball on Saturday. Marte came on as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.
And that’s not all: Despite fears, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of Lindor’s ailing lower back showed no structural damage, meaning he could be back for the four-game series against the Phillies that begins Thursday.
“We have to do our job because he took the responsibility of the team on his shoulders … so when (Lindor) comes back, we’ll be in a better position,” Marte said through the interpreter. “It’s a big loss because he’s the leader of this team, but it’s important for us to go out there and try to carry the load for him.”
Trailing by one run, with two outs and a runner on third base, Iglesias hit a comebacker that bounced off reliever Derek Law and landed in no man’s land between the mound and second base. Tyrone Taylor scored to tie the game at 1-1.
Edwin Diaz pitched a scoreless ninth inning, and Reed Garrett and safety Luisangel Acuna at shortstop teamed up to bench the ghost runner in the 10th inning and allow Marte to win. Former Met Jacob Barnes intentionally walked Taylor to put runners on first and second base in the 10th inning and brought in Francisco Alvarez, who hit a fly ball to right, moving Harrison Bader to third base. Marte then hit a 3-and-1 fastball to left that gave the Mets the win.
“I’m using every player available, I’m taking advantage of every opportunity and playing matchups,” Carlos Mendoza said. “We found a way. (It was) another close game and it’s a good feeling when you use practically the entire squad and get the job done.”
They were only in that position because Manaea got off to another excellent start, allowing one earned run with one walk and six strikeouts. Since June 14, he has allowed three or fewer runs 16 times, tying Chris Sale for the most runs allowed in MLB during that time. He has a 2.69 ERA with 117 strikeouts during that span and has now pitched seven or more innings in eight of his 30 starts.
And by the way, he was well aware that Atlanta was behind.
“I’ve always dreamed of being in this position,” Manaea said. “Helping this team win is amazing and I’m enjoying every moment.”
It was a positive end to a day marked by much uncertainty – especially with regard to their star shortstop, who said he hoped to only be out two to five days.
“I was praying on the way to the MRI and CT scan that it would get better day by day, and the good Lord answered my prayers,” Lindor said. “I’m here. I probably won’t do much today, but it’s something I should start doing physical activities on, whether tomorrow or the day after, depending on how my back responds.”
Lindor, who has been battling discomfort for about 10 days, missed his first game of the season on Saturday and was taken out of the game after one inning on Sunday — a major concern since the shortstop has played regularly despite injuries throughout his career. Lindor said he hopes to start playing baseball again on Tuesday or Wednesday.
“Honestly, relief,” Mendoza said of his reaction. “Really good news. We didn’t know what was going to happen… We hope he’ll be a player for us before the end of the year. Honestly, I expected the worst.”
The injury is not as serious as a strain, Lindor said, adding that he still feels tightness and discomfort and that his defenses are affected. He will not receive an injection at the site.
“I have a lot of faith,” said Lindor, who is hitting .271/.342/.496 with 86 RBIs, 31 home runs, 27 stolen bases and a 136 OPS+ and whose name has been mentioned in the MVP conversation. “I put everything in God’s hands, but at the same time I was a little worried. When you do something like that, you never know what’s going to come out of it.”
The Mets’ road to postseason victory will be rocky: After those three games against the Nationals, who are under .500, they will face the Phillies – the team with the best record in baseball -, Atlanta and the leading Brewers in the NL Central, with the final two series being away.
“He told me to step up,” Iglesias said. “I do that every night for this great team we have… I think we’ve put something together. I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
They’re going to need him. And Marte. And Manaea. And everyone else. Lindor was instrumental in getting them this far, and now, at least for a little while, it’s up to the other 27 to help finish the job.
Laura Albanese is a reporter, feature writer and columnist covering local professional sports teams. She started at Newsday as an intern in 2007.
