Francisco Lindor motivated by ‘inspiring’ Knicks title win as Mets return inches closer

Francisco Lindor has taken another step in his recovery from a strained left calf that’s sidelined him since April, as the shortstop has begun running the bases.

It’s one of the latest signs that Lindor expects to be back soon, even as he opts not to publicly disclose a potential return date.

But as The Post’s Jon Heyman reported, Lindor could be back by the third week of June, which is quickly approaching, and president of baseball operations David Stearns noted they expect him back by the end of the month.

If the Mets really do intend to turn around what’s been a rotten first few months of the season, they’ll need their star shortstop to be there — and productive.

Lindor is in his sixth season with the Mets. He and his family live in Manhattan, and the 32-year-old understands the pulse of the city.

Naturally, Lindor understands what the Knicks’ first title in over half a century means — and what it could mean for the Mets.

“It’s a great moment to be a New York sports fan,’’ Lindor told The Post on Sunday when the Mets beat the Braves 8-1 to win the series. “I’m proud of that group. All they talked about after they won last night is how they played for each other.”

Like these Mets, the Knicks were down a long time before finally getting the title, as James Dolan said immediately after the clincher, when he apologized for the championship having taken so long to return to New York.

“Even the owner said it,’’ Lindor said. “We know what it’s like. We don’t need more inspiration, but something like that, seeing them win, of course it motivates us as players and is inspiring. Want to win here and when you have history being made in this city like they did, it gives you goose bumps and gets you excited for the ‘what ifs.’ ”

For those “what ifs” to have a chance to become reality, Lindor has to get back on the field and return to form.

Lindor was 7-for-17 with a pair of extra-base hits in his final five games before he suffered the calf injury the same day that Juan Soto returned from his own strained calf.

Without the superstars paired in the lineup, the Mets offense has mostly slumped, although there have been encouraging signs of late.

He’ll continue to rehab from the injury this week, Carlos Mendoza said prior to the game, and the Mets will see how he responds before a potential minor league rehab stint since he hasn’t played in nearly two months.

The Mets clearly haven’t played well in his absence, but they haven’t completely folded, with the hope that Lindor’s presence back on the roster could rejuvenate the team, which has severely underperformed.

With Lindor returning to short, Bo Bichette would shift back to third, leaving Brett Baty to play against certain right-handed pitchers, and Jared Young would likely stay at first base, at least for now.