Mets' Francisco Lindor: Optimistic about return this week

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Lindor (back) said that he's "optimistic" that he will play again for the Mets before the regular season concludes Sunday, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.

Lindor missed out on a seventh consecutive start in Sunday's 2-1 win over the Phillies and hasn't played a full game since Sept. 11 due to back tightness. The star shortstop showed some tangible signs of progress over the weekend, taking batting practice Friday after receiving a facet joint injection for his ailing back a day earlier. He proceeded to take BP again Saturday and Sunday, and Lindor also noted that he's been able to track pitches, play catch, field groundballs and do some running while he's been out of the lineup. The Mets will see how Lindor is feeling coming out of Monday's team off day before the club provides another update on his status heading into Tuesday's series opener in Atlanta.