The secret Mets return date Francisco Lindor has in mind

While injured Mets star Francisco Lindor has kept his cards close to the vest about his return, he does seem to have a return date in mind. 

Lindor has a secret target date to return to the field of June 20, The Post’s Jon Heyman reported.

The Mets shortstop has been sidelined by a calf strain since late April and recently told The Post’s Dan Martin that his timeline to return was “a goal of getting back as soon as I can.” 

Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza told reporters earlier this week that Lindor was expected to go through full baseball activities in the coming days, and then the Mets will go from there on potential next steps. 

Lindor’s injury occurred on April 22, the same day that star outfielder Juan Soto came back from his own strained calf issue. 

The five-time All-Star told reporters Tuesday that he did not have any discomfort and he seemed to be encouraged by his progress. 

New York Mets Francisco Lindor reacts in the dugout in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field, Monday, May 25, 2026, in Queens, NY. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

“I can do everything. I feel like I’m getting better. I continue to check all the boxes they have for me,” he said. 

Lindor then added: “Obviously, I want to be playing, but from what they say, everything is going the way it was planned.”

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) 3-run home run during the third inning when the New York Mets played the Minnesota Twins Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Citi Field in Queens, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post

The 32-year-old has played just 24 games this season, posting a modest .226/.314/.355 slash line with 21 hits and five RBIs before his injury. 

The Mets’ inability to have Lindor and Soto on the field at the same time has greatly costed the team so far this season, with both having dealt with injuries at different times.

The Mets currently sit in last place in the NL East and are 15 games back of the Braves for the top spot in the division. 

The Amazin’s did pick up a 5-4 win over the Cardinals on Thursday and begin a weekend series with the Braves at Citi Field on Friday.