Francisco Lindor’s All-Star drought is over — even if he hasn’t performed like one over the last several weeks.
A year ago at this time, Lindor was an All-Star snub, despite putting up deserving numbers.
This time, an argument can be made that Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz deserves the nod over him.
De La Cruz, however, wasn’t even a finalist — Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts was.
This marks Lindor’s first time attending the showcase since 2019, and it’s his fifth overall visit, back when he played for the Guardians (previously the Indians). Additionally, it will be his debut as a starter in the game.
The last Mets shortstop to start in the Midsummer Classic was Jose Reyes in 2007. Although he was also voted as the starter in 2011, an injury kept him from appearing in the game.
Lindor is currently facing a major slump, with an 8-for-60 performance dating back to June 15. It’s no accident that the Mets have faced significant struggles during this period, losing 14 of their last 17 games as they approached the nightcap of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Brewers.
Lindor has posted a .255/.324/.442 slash line with a respectable .766 OPS. He has 15 home runs, 43 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 15 attempts.
However, his numbers have drastically fallen over the last few weeks.
Hoping to create a spark, manager Carlos Mendoza moved Lindor out of the leadoff spot for the first time this year Wednesday night, dropping him to second in order and using Brandon Nimmo in the leadoff spot.
Lindor was the lone Mets starter voted in by the fans. Pete Alonso finished second behind Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman and Juan Soto also missed out.
Both will likely be selected as reserves on Sunday, along with closer Edwin Diaz.
