The Mets announced they’ve reinstated infielder Javier Báez from the injured list. He’s getting the start at shortstop, hitting third, this afternoon against the Dodgers. Reliever Geoff Hartlieb has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse to open active roster space.
Báez spent the minimal amount of time on the shelf after landing on the IL on August 13 (backdated to August 12). The team’s outlook has changed considerably in that short amount of time, as the Mets have gone 1-8 since last Friday, falling seven games back of the red-hot Braves in the National League East. Báez has gotten off to a slow start to his Mets tenure, hitting .171/.216/.343 over 37 plate appearances since being acquired from the Cubs at the trade deadline.
Francisco Lindor is not being activated today, although manager Luis Rojas told reporters (including Anthony DiComo of MLB.com) he’s expected back early next week. Rojas indicated yesterday that Lindor could return from the oblique strain that has kept him out of action since mid-July as soon as this weekend.
