CLEVELAND — Three years later, Francisco Lindor finally came home.
Walking back into Progressive Field as a visitor for the first time on Monday, Lindor’s mind quickly filled with memories of spraying champagne — and a painful night when a World Series title slipped away.
Lindor was back where his playing career began, returning to Cleveland as a member of the New York Mets, who acquired the All-Star shortstop in a blockbuster trade following the 2020 season.
Flashing his familiar smile, Lindor genuinely seemed to enjoy his return.
“I missed it,” he said before the game while standing in a hallway outside New York’s clubhouse. “This was my home for a while, and it feels great to be here. For sure.”
Before taking batting practice, Lindor warmly greeted former teammate Carlos Carrasco, who was traded to the Mets with him, as well as longtime team radio broadcaster Tom Hamilton and Guardians star third baseman José Ramírez.
Lindor received a nice ovation — sprinkled with a few boos — before leading off the first, pointing toward the Guardians’ dugout before digging in and striking out against Ben Lively.
He finished 0-for-4 with the whiff as New York fell 3-1, the Mets’ eighth loss in 11 games.
While he didn’t do anything of note at the plate, Lindor did make a dazzling play in the eighth. Ranging to his right, Lindor made a backhanded stop in the hole and made a leaping throw to get Tyler Freeman, who was initially called safe.
The Mets challenged, got the call overturned by replay and Lindor took a bow in the field.
The Mets recently moved the 30-year-old Lindor, who came in batting just .197, into the No. 1 spot in hopes of getting him going.
Leave a Reply