Report: Mets hold team meeting after Lindor's injury

The New York Mets held an impromptu team meeting Monday in the wake of Francisco Lindor's back injury, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

First baseman Pete Alonso, manager Carlos Mendoza, and president of baseball operations David Stearns were the only three who spoke, discussing the need to win games without their star shortstop, according to Sherman.

Alonso reportedly stressed how important it is for the Mets to lock down a playoff spot so he could celebrate with his teammates.

Lindor exited Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Phillies with a back injury. An MRI revealed no structural damage, and Lindor could return as soon as this weekend.

Lindor has emerged as a legitimate NL MVP candidate, helping the Mets storm back into the postseason picture after a sluggish start to the campaign. The 30-year-old has a .928 OPS with 14 home runs and 34 RBIs in 53 games since the All-Star break. He leads all NL position players with 7.4 fWAR.

The Mets entered play Tuesday with a one-game lead over the Atlanta Braves for the final NL wild-card spot. The two clubs will face off in what's shaping up to be a crucial series from Sept. 24-26 in Atlanta.