MIAMI -- Francisco Lindor was available for the Mets' series opener against the Marlins on Monday night at loanDepot park, just one day after his wife, Katia, gave birth to their son, Koa -- though Lindor was ultimately not needed in the club's 10-4 victory.
¡°First of all, congrats to Katia and Francisco,¡± Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said before the game. ¡°I talked to him yesterday when we got the news. I knew right away he wanted to be here.¡±
The Mets did not place Lindor on the paternity list, which would have required him to miss Monday's game but no more than three games. Lindor left the decision as to whether he would start Monday's opener to Mendoza.
"[Lindor] said, ¡®Take your time, I¡¯ll give you a call later tonight,'" Mendoza said. ¡°Which he did, and he said, ¡®Not sure what kind of night we want to have today, but I¡¯ll be there tomorrow.¡¯ So, I¡¯m expecting him to be here. ¡ He got home [to Orlando, from Houston] in the morning [on Sunday]; baby was born in the afternoon."
Mendoza added with a laugh: ¡°Perfect timing on the off-day."
Lindor indeed arrived at the ballpark prior to first pitch, though Luisangel Acu?a started in his place. Mendoza lauded Lindor¡¯s team spirit given his eventful 48 hours.
¡°I mean, it¡¯s nothing new to us," Mendoza said. "This is a guy that wants to show and wants to perform and help the team. And even when his wife is having a new baby, he¡¯s still thinking about the team. That¡¯s who he is. He¡¯s a leader -- special person, special guy, special player.¡±