In a troubling sign for the Mets, Francisco Lindor left the game vs. the Phillies after 1 inning

PHILADELPHIA – Francisco Lindor's return to action on Sunday lasted one at-bat and one defensive inning.

Lindor is an MVP candidate entering the day with an .834 OPS and 31 home runs. He was a catalyst during the New York Mets' second-half run toward a spot in the postseason — so the threat of lingering injuries could shape the team's playoff chances.

Lindor, who missed the first game of the season Saturday because of lower back discomfort, returned to his usual perch in the leadoff spot and at shortstop for the Mets' crucial rubber game against Philadelphia. He led off the first inning with a bloop single to center off Christopher Sanchez, but he ran too fast to first base, barely scoring the bag.

He made a defensive play in the bottom of the first before being replaced by rookie Luisangel Acuna in the bottom of the second inning.

“When I hit the ball and took a few steps out of the box, it didn't feel the way I wanted it to feel,” Lindor said. “I didn't feel comfortable continuing it.”

Lindor said he will have an MRI on Monday. He revealed the back had been bothering him for about two weeks before jamming it with an awkward move at second base in Friday night's game. That led to an early exit that night and his first missed game of 2024 on Saturday.

“Hopefully it's nothing too worrisome,” he said of the MRI. “The aim is to be available as often as we can in the remaining 13 games.”

The Mets said before the game that they would be careful with Lindor, even in important games like this down the stretch.

“Health is No. 1 here,” manager Carlos Mendoza said pregame. “We don't want him to go out there and put himself at risk.”

Lindor worked with trainers on the field and took swings in the batting cage before the game, and at that point he felt confident that he would be able to play through the discomfort. Perhaps he will take a more cautious approach on Monday and possibly beyond.

“For someone who wants to post and be available, it's hard to come out of the game and not be there for my teammates,” he said. “It didn't look good.”

“Obviously we want him out there every day, and he's doing everything he can to get back out there,” starter David Peterson said. “The most important thing for him is to get himself right.”