Mets Star Francisco Lindor Out After Welcoming Son

NEW YORK, N.Y. — New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is out of the lineup for Monday’s series opener against the Miami Marlins following the birth of his son, Koa. Lindor and his wife, Katia, shared the news early Monday morning, marking a significant personal milestone.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Lindor’s absence, noting that the team did not place the four-time All-Star on the paternity list, allowing him the option to rejoin the team during the three-game series. Mendoza stated, “I talked to him yesterday when we got the news. Everyone’s doing well. I knew right away that he wanted to be here.”

The manager encouraged Lindor to take his time, stating, “He said, ‘Not sure what kind of night we’re gonna have today, but I’ll be there tomorrow,’ so I’m expecting him to be here at some point and be a player for us if we need him.”

In Lindor’s absence, Luisangel Acuña will cover shortstop duties and bat eighth in the lineup. Starling Marte, who has had his struggles, is also set to fill an important role as the designated hitter against Marlins’ right-hander Cal Quantrill.

Lindor, 31, faced challenges in the season’s opening week, having gone 0-for-11 with three strikeouts and an RBI against the Houston Astros. Despite a slow start, Lindor has a history of improving as the season unfolds; he famously began the 2024 campaign in a 1-for-31 slump.

The Mets aim to revitalize their lackluster offense, having managed only five runs combined in their initial series against the Astros. They were limited to a single hit— a double by Juan Soto—in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against the Astros.