Mets' Lindor, Mendoza Puzzled by Star's Defensive Gaffes

Mets manager and star shortstop struggle to explain recent mistakes that have cost the team runs.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:21pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in motion, their form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes in muted earth tones, conveying the confusion and frustration around the star player's uncharacteristic defensive mistakes.A cubist interpretation of a defensive miscue that has plagued the Mets' star shortstop in the early going.NYC Today

New York Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor and manager Carlos Mendoza are both perplexed by Lindor's recent defensive lapses that have resulted in runs for the opposing team. Lindor admitted he's unsure what's behind the uncharacteristic mistakes, while Mendoza said it's unlike the normally reliable Lindor.

Why it matters

Lindor is a key part of the Mets' lineup and defense, so his struggles have been a major factor in the team's 7-8 start to the 2026 season. The Mets are hoping Lindor can quickly regain his All-Star form to help the team turn things around.

The details

In Saturday's 11-6 loss to the Athletics, Lindor made a play on a ball that likely should have been handled by teammate Marcus Semien, resulting in a run for the opposing team. Mendoza said he's never seen Lindor make some of the mistakes he's made recently, while Lindor himself admitted he's unsure what's behind the uncharacteristic gaffes, saying 'I feel like I'm locked in. I feel like I'm in the game. It just happens. Got to be better.'

  • The Mets have now lost four straight games heading into Sunday's series finale against the Athletics.

The players

Francisco Lindor

The Mets' star shortstop who has been struggling both at the plate and on defense so far this season.

Carlos Mendoza

The Mets' manager who is trying to help Lindor and the team get back on track after a disappointing 7-8 start to the 2026 season.

Marcus Semien

A Mets infielder who was involved in the play where Lindor made a mistake that resulted in a run for the opposing team.

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What they’re saying

“It's weird because that's not him. It's hard to explain. And he'll be the first one. He'll tell you that he's got to be better. But yeah, never seen some of those plays that he's just out of position at times.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

“Not sure. I feel like I'm locked in. I feel like I'm in the game. It just happens. Got to be better.”

— Francisco Lindor

What’s next

The Mets will look to avoid a sweep in Sunday's series finale against the Athletics as they try to get Lindor and the rest of the team back on track.

The takeaway

Lindor's uncharacteristic defensive struggles have been a major factor in the Mets' disappointing start to the season, and the team is hoping he can quickly regain his All-Star form to help turn things around.