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Francisco Lindor is back. NY Mets announce Wednesday lineup vs Cubs

NEW YORK — The smile is back for the Mets.

Francisco Lindor is returning to the team's lineup for the second game of their doubleheader against the Cubs at 7:10 p.m. on Wednesday at Citi Field.

Lindor will be back at shortstop, batting second behind Carson Benge and ahead of Bo Bichette in the team's nightcap.

The Mets shortstop has been out since April 22 after straining his left calf while scoring a run during the team's 3-2 win over the Twins.

The Mets will not have their full complement of players as Juan Soto was still feeling tightness in his back after Tuesday night's loss to the Cubs.

With another 10-3 defeat in the opening game of Wednesday's doubleheader, the Mets have now lost four straight games to slip to 34-45. They are eight games back of the Cubs for the National League's final wild card spot.

NY Mets, Cubs probable starting pitchers for Wednesday night

The Mets will be leaning on Sean Manaea to continue to be effective in his third start of his season.

Since rejoining the Mets rotation after beginning the season in the bullpen, the Mets left-hander has pitched to a 3.18 ERA with 11 strikeouts in his last two starts against the Braves and Phillies.

On the season, Manaea is 1-2 with a 4.64 ERA.

Shota Imanaga will be opposing Manaea as the Cubs left-hander makes his 16th start of the season. Imanaga is 4-6 with a 4.26 ERA and 84 strikeouts in 86⅔ innings this season.