ATLANTA — Francisco Lindor is feeling the love.
The Mets shortstop, based on the first reveal of voting tallies this week, is the strong favorite for a return to Truist Park next month as the National League’s starting shortstop in the All-Star Game.
For that he is grateful to the fans.
“I appreciate the love the fans have been giving me, not only all around the league but our New York fans have been special,” Lindor said Wednesday before going 0-for-4 in the Mets’ 5-0 loss to the Braves. “It would be an honor and it would be a dream.”
Lindor, who was last selected to an All-Star team with Cleveland in 2019, began the week with 1,019,273 votes. Mookie Betts was second among NL shortstops at 597,188.
Brett Baty was unavailable off the bench (for a second straight night after leaving Sunday’s game with right groin discomfort).
Mendoza indicated Baty was progressing, but indicated that if the infielder is unavailable again Thursday the team may have to consider the IL as an option.
Mark Vientos had a scheduled night off in his minor league rehab assignment with Syracuse, but is expected to play third base on Thursday for the first time since he was placed on the injured list two weeks ago with a right hamstring strain.
Vientos could be back with the Mets next week.
