On the same day he got elected to start an All-Star Game for the first time, Francisco Lindor was dropped from the leadoff spot with the New York Mets in a major tailspin.
And the move paid off immediately.
After making 191 consecutive starts at the top of the lineup, Lindor batted second as the designated hitter Wednesday in the finale of a day-night doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers and their rookie sensation, right-hander Jacob Misiorowski.
"Whatever it takes to win," Lindor said. "I don't have to hit in one place. I'll hit wherever the team thinks is the best thing."
Brandon Nimmo returned to the leadoff slot and launched a grand slam off the hard-throwing Misiorowski in the second inning. Lindor followed with his 17th homer, then added an RBI single with two outs in the sixth and a run-scoring double with two outs in the eighth as New York won 7-3 to stop a four-game skid.