Lindor unlikely to play without pain, 'optimistic' he'll return this season

New York Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor admitted that he'll likely have to deal with back pain for the rest of the season but said he's OK playing with the ailment, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

Lindor has missed the last seven games because of back discomfort. However, he still wants to suit up when he's cleared by the team's trainers and is eyeing a return during the final week of the regular season.

"I'm optimistic that I'm going to play," Lindor said Sunday.

The 30-year-old received an injection Thursday in his facet joints on each side of the spine.

"I just don't want it to be a constant pain where I can't bend over," Lindor said, according to Deesha Thosar of Fox Sports.

Lindor has put together an MVP-calibre season, slashing .271/.342/.494 with 31 homers, 86 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases over 148 games en route to helping the Mets build a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves for the National League's last wild-card spot. His 7.4 fWAR only trails Shohei Ohtani among NL players.

The Mets and Braves open up a pivotal three-game series Tuesday in Atlanta.