Cleveland Indians All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor may return to the lineup as soon as this weekend provided he is cleared by the medical staff.
The Cleveland Indians are so close to getting a key member of their team back. Per Tom Withers, Francisco Lindor is back in Cleveland and could return to the team for this weekend’s series with Atlanta.
Tom Withers also reported that Lindor’s status will be determined Saturday morning with the expectation that he will be activated.
Francisco Lindor looks fine in Columbus
As Tom Withers mentioned Francisco Lindor looks ready. Lindor was a member of the Columbus Clippers on a rehab assignment. In 3 games Lindor collected five hits, three of which were of the extra-base variety. Those extra-base hits being one double and two home runs. Lindor showed that he can still swing a bat quite nicely. The only concern is that Lindor did not look entirely healthy while rounding the bases.
This clip is from April 16th and there is still a bit of a limp. Although while rounding the bases on a homer April 18th he looked a little better, but it is worth noting that there is still a limp.
Cleveland has been able to win without one of the best players in baseball.
Even without Lindor the Tribe have been able to win games. If things are not entirely right it may be the right decision to give him a bit more time. The Indians are not in a tailspin and in desperate need of Lindor at this moment in time.
However if Cleveland’s medical staff determines he can play, it may be wise to give him some days off early in the return process. There is also the possibility of having Lindor DH in order to ensure he does not re-injure his ankle in the field.
It is all about the long haul with Francisco Lindor. It is not worth rushing him back prematurely only for him to suffer another injury. The postponement of Friday’s game with Atlanta gives the Indians and Francisco Lindor more time to properly evaluate his injury and if he is indeed good to go. Although this probably means if he can play he will not appear in one of the two games of Saturday’s doubleheader.
