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 will mark Lindor’s first trip, and fifth overall, to the showcase since 2019, when he was a member of the Guardians (then the Indians). It will also mark his first start in the game.
The last Mets shortstop to start in the Midsummer Classic was Jose Reyes in 2007. He was also voted the starter in 2011, but didn’t appear in the game due to an injury.
Lindor is in the midst of a major slump, in a 8-for-60 slide that dates back to June 15. It’s not a coincidence that the Mets have struggled mightily in that span, in the throes of losing 14 of their last 17 games entering 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.