First, Francisco Lindor was named the starter for the upcoming All-Star Game in Atlanta, ending a six-year drought for the Mets shortstop. Then, he went out and performed like one.
Lindor, batting second for the first time this season, broke out of his extended slump with a home run, three hits and three RBI in the nightcap of the Mets doubleheader split against the Brewers at Citi Field.
“This is something you can’t take for granted,” Lindor said after the 7-3 win in the nightcap. “It’s a fantastic event. I’m honored, blessed. I was extremely happy and proud and ecstatic.”
He dismissed the idea that his selection, his first since 2019 as a member of the Guardians (then the Indians), gave him any extra energy, or where he hit in the batting order mattered much.
Manager Carlos Mendoza moved Brandon Nimmo into the leadoff spot in place of Lindor to separate the left-handed hitters, Nimmo and Juan Soto.
“I felt good in the first game, just didn’t get the barrel to the baseball,” Lindor said. “In the second game, I actually got the barrel to the baseball.”
A year ago at this time, Lindor was an All-Star snub, despite putting up deserving numbers.
This time, an argument could be made that Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz deserved the nod over him.
De La Cruz, however, wasn’t even a finalist — Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts was.
This will mark Lindor’s fifth trip to the showcase, and 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.
“I want to take a moment to thank the fans because I’m an All-Star because of them,” Lindor said. “Thank you to everyone who voted for me. The trainers that kept me on the field, my teammates, coaches who prepare me day in and day out. I’m blessed to be in this position.”
Lindor was in the midst of a major slump, an 8-for-60 slide that dated back to June 15.
It wasn’t a coincidence that the Mets had struggled mightily in that span, in the throes of losing 14 of their past 17 games.
Wednesday night, he came through, and the Mets beat a quality team.
Lindor was the lone Mets player voted in by the fans. Pete Alonso finished second behind Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman and Juan Soto was fifth among outfielders.
Both will likely be selected as reserves on Sunday, along with closer Edwin Díaz.
“I’m honored. I’m proud to be able to take the field in Atlanta as a Met,” Lindor said. “It’s going to be good.”