Francisco Lindor out of Mets lineup for start of crucial Braves series

ATLANTA — The Mets were set to begin their most important series of the season on Tuesday with their Most Valuable Player on the bench.

Francisco Lindor was absent from the Mets’ starting lineup for an eighth straight game, as he deals with lower back discomfort.

Lindor worked out over the weekend, taking batting practice and grounders at Citi Field.

Luisangel Acuna, who has provided a spark at shortstop in Lindor’s absence, is starting at shortstop again Tuesday and batting ninth. The rookie hit three homers last week after arriving from Triple-A Syracuse.

Lindor on Sunday said he was “optimistic” he would play again this season, but acknowledged he would have to play through some level of pain.

Lindor aggravated the back running the bases in Philadelphia on Sept. 13 and the following day missed his first game of the season.

“It’s just a matter of hitting that spot that they’re going to feel safe and they’re going to feel good. And then same thing for me,” Lindor said on Sunday after the Mets’ 2-1 win over the Phillies.

The Mets need to take two of three against the Braves to clinch a spot in the postseason.

Here is the full Mets lineup:

1. Jose Iglesias, 2B
2. Brandon Nimmo, LF
3. Starling Marte, RF
4. Pete Alonso, 1B
5. Jesse Winker, DH
6. Mark Vientos, 3B
7. Tyrone Taylor, CF
8. Francisco Alvarez, C
9. Luisangel Acuna, SS
Luis Severino, SP