Mets' Francisco Lindor to have MRI after exiting with sore back

New York Mets All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor will have further tests Monday, including an MRI, after leaving Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies with back discomfort in the second inning.

It was the second time in three days that Lindor left a game early. He left Friday's game in the middle of the seventh inning because of lower back soreness and then was held out of the lineup Saturday.

Lindor said he felt the discomfort Sunday after taking the first few steps out of the batter's box on his leadoff single in the first inning.

"It's extremely difficult," Lindor said after the 2-1 loss. "As someone who wants to post and be available, it's difficult to come out of a game and not be available."

Lindor said the back discomfort has been bothering him for a while and it worsened during this series. He is hitting .271 with 31 homers, 86 RBIs and 27 stolen bases this season.

The Mets (81-68) are battling for one of three wild-card berths in the National League.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.