He's back.

For the first time since April 22, Francisco Lindor will be in the Mets' lineup for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs.

Manager Carlos Mendoza said before the first game that the Mets "anticipate him being active for tonight's game" following his stint on the injured list as he recovered from a calf strain, and he confirmed after the 10-3 loss that Lindor will indeed start.

The club then made it official by activating Lindor off the 10-day IL, while also reinstating Ronny Mauricio off the IL and sending him to Triple-A, and designating Zack Short for assignment.

In 24 games this season, Lindor owns a .226/.314/.355 slash line with two home runs, five RBI, and 14 runs scored.

"We missed him, obviously," Mendoza said. "His presence in the lineup everyday, on and off the field, how much he connects with guys in that locker room, the defense the bat -- he's been missed, obviously. We need him."

With Lindor returning as the starting shortstop, Bo Bichette will slide over back over to third base, but the Mets will need to take things slow with Lindor, likely giving him a day off on Thursday.

"There are going to be some off days here. If he plays today, he's probably going to be down tomorrow," Mendoza said. "... We'll see where we're at, but there are definitely going to be some off days here in the early going as we continue to build him up."

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