Mets’ Francisco Lindor Faces an Early Setback in Spring Training

BY: MADELYN DIBIASE / CO-NEWS EDITOR

Mets Shortstop Francisco Lindor reacts after an at-bat in a game against the Phillies (Photo: Corey Sipkin/New York Post)

Spring Training has barely even commenced, and there are already injuries brewing for our hometown New York Mets. It has been announced that star shortstop Francisco Lindor requires hand surgery to remedy a long-standing issue with his left hamate bone. 

Lindor has been playing through pain in his hand for a couple of years, according to recent reports. As time went on, the pain faded away and returned with the grueling MLB schedule of 162 games. He is known for playing through injuries if they are manageable, and is coming off of playing in approximately 152 games each season for the last four years.

The urgency in handling Lindor’s injury has picked up, following very early discomfort in Spring Training. This concern led to a meeting with a hand specialist, where surgery was highly recommended. This surgery would require a six-week period of no baseball for the Metropolitan. Six weeks sitting in the dugout means that his Opening Day status is in jeopardy.

In a press conference, President of Baseball Operations for the Mets, David Stearns, noted his confidence in Lindor to be back in time for Opening Day. "If we get to the point where we get closer to Opening Day, and there are questions about Francisco, then we'll cross that bridge when we get there," Stearns said. "But, at this point, we're optimistic that regardless of what Francisco needs, he's going to be ready for Opening Day."

Francisco underwent the surgery on his left hamate bone on Feb. 11. He will be able to resume light training, throwing, and conditioning once his doctors remove his stitches. However, a hand surgery could take months for his usual power at the plate to be at full potential. This may be a big concern, but as for right now, the main goal is to get him playing in a baseball game as close to Opening Day as possible.

Lindor’s bandaged hand following his surgery. (Photo: Corey Sipkin/New York Post)

Despite just coming off of surgery, who shows up the day before the Mets’ first scheduled team practice this spring? Yup, Francisco did. His care for the team is very evident, and he stressed the importance of meeting some of his new teammates in a press conference. “We have a lot of new faces that I want to get to know, and I wanted to interact with them,” Lindor said. “Just being outside with the guys… it sucks I can’t be out there doing everything they do.”

During this press conference, the shortstop was also questioned about his thoughts regarding his status come Opening Day. “I’m very optimistic,” Lindor said. “My goal is to be there. I trust the Mets staff and feel like they have dealt with it many times and they are really good.” There is no doubt that the star would like to resume his usual baseball activities sooner than later. 

The Mets’ first Spring Training game takes place on Feb. 21 against the Miami Marlins. The game will take place at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, the Mets’ home during Spring Training. The Mets open their season at home on March 26, when they host the Pirates on Opening Day at Citi Field, likely facing the reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes.