The New York Mets were forced to scratch shortstop Francisco Lindor shortly before they took the field Friday night against the first-place Atlanta Braves. The issue for the shortstop is right-side soreness, and he is scheduled to undergo an MRI Saturday.

The issue could be a serious one, because Lindor almost always is in the lineup on an every-day basis. He had started in each of the Mets 114 games before they took the field against the Braves, and he has played 275 games during the past 2 seasons. The only other player who has started more Major League games is Marcus Semien of the Texas Rangers.

Lindor is slashing  .270/.339/.449 with 22 homers and 18 stolen bases after a relatively slow start to the season. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Jonathan Arrauz.

Article Continues Below
More New York Mets News
Starting pitcher New York Mets pitcher Brooks Raley (25) pitches the ball against Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. He undergoes Tommy John later that season.
Mets reliever Brooks Raley takes massive step from injury returnYasmin Edañol ·
Apr 9, 2012; Toronto, ON, Canada; Former pitcher Ron Taylor throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the Boston Red Sox game against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. The Red Sox beat the Blue Jays 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images
Key 1969 ‘Miracle Mets’ pitcher passes away at 87Zachary Draves ·
New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos (27) makes contact during the game against the Chicago White Sox at Citi Field.
Mets’ Carlos Mendoza reveals date for Mark Vientos rehab stintChristopher Hennessy ·
New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) doubles during the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Citi Field.
Pete Alonso gets brutally honest on potentially spending his whole career with MetsBenjamin Adducchio ·
New York Mets pitcher Frankie Montas (47) pitches during a Spring Training workout at Clover Park.
Mets’ Frankie Montas nearing return from injuryZachary Howell ·
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) looks on in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
Mets outfielder suffers concerning injury setbackAlex House ·

“One thing about Francisco Lindor since the day he got here, he's a guy that takes a lot of pride in playing,” said Mets manager Buck Showalter. I've seen guys kind of (use it) as a reason to go the other direction. You don't have to worry about that with him. You're gonna get everything he's got the whole time that he's a member of this organization.”

To further amplify Showalter's point, Francisco Lindor only missed one game last season after fracturing his right middle finger following a mishap with a hotel door.

This season has been a major disappointment for the Mets. They were expected to battle the Braves and Phillies in the National League East, but they are 52-62 and in fourth place in the division.