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MIAMI — Francisco Lindor became a father for the third time on Sunday, but still reported for work a day later.
Though MLB rules allow players to take paternity leave for up to three days, the shortstop was back with the Mets, on the bench for their 10-4 victory over the Marlins at loanDepotpark.
Lindor’s wife, Katia, gave birth to the couple’s first son, Koa Amani, in Orlando, Fla.
The Mets had an off-day in South Florida on Sunday after arriving from Houston, and Lindor was present for the birth in the afternoon.
Did Lindor consider missing Monday’s game?
“I wasn’t having the baby — my wife did,” Lindor told The Post. “She said it was OK to leave, and I left.”
Manager Carlos Mendoza was hardly surprised that Lindor immediately rejoined the team.
But Mendoza insisted that Lindor take his time returning Monday — Luisangel Acuña started at shortstop.
Lindor remained on the bench the whole night.
“This is a guy that wants to show, and wants to perform and help the team,” Mendoza said. “Even when his wife is having a baby, he is still thinking about the team. That’s who he is. He’s a leader.”
Lindor missed a start for the Mets following the birth of his second daughter in June 2023, but entered that game as a pinch hitter and was hit by a pitch.
He homered in his first at-bat the next day — which happened to be Father’s Day.
The Mets traded outfielder Alexander Canario to the Pirates for cash considerations.
Canario had a strong showing for the Mets in spring training, but wasn’t a roster fit and was without minor league options.
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He was designated for assignment before Opening Day.
Starling Marte started in the leadoff spot, giving the Mets a measure of speed atop the batting order.
Jesse Winker is the DH against right-handed pitching, but with the Marlins scheduled to start three straight righties in the series, Mendoza wanted to find a game for Marte.
Mendoza said the fact Monday’s starter, Cal Quantrill, is tough against left-handed hitters led to his decision to start Marte in the first game. Marte homered and was twice hit by a pitch.
Paul Blackburn resumed throwing on Monday for the first time since he was placed on the injured list following a gel injection for swelling in his right knee.
The right-hander will figure into the bullpen once he returns from the 15-day IL.