Lindor being evaluated for hamate bone injury; surgery possible

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor’s Opening Day status is in question following a left hand injury.

Lindor will be evaluated on Tuesday for a stress reaction in his hamate bone, which he began experiencing over the past couple of days, president of baseball operations David Stearns told reporters on the eve of the team’s first official workout. The Mets will know then if Lindor will require surgery, which would carry a six-week recovery period.

That would take Lindor right up to Opening Day, though Stearns minimized the concern that his starting shortstop might miss the opener. The Mets begin the season March 26 against the Pirates at Citi Field.

“At this point, even if it does require surgery,” Stearns said, “we would remain optimistic that Francisco would be back for Opening Day.”

Lindor, 32, has been one of the game’s most durable players despite a growing string of minor injuries over the last few years. Over the past four seasons, he has averaged 158 games per year. In October, Lindor underwent a debridement surgery on his right elbow, which will prevent him from playing in the World Baseball Classic. Lindor also played a chunk of last season with a broken toe and battled back issues late in 2024.

Still, Lindor has remained one of baseball’s most productive shortstops, finishing Top 10 in National League MVP voting every year since 2022.

If Lindor must miss any time, the Mets could ask new signing Bo Bichette to fill in at his natural position of shortstop. Bichette had been slated to start at third base. Ronny Mauricio and Vidal Bruján also both have shortstop experience and are already on the 40-man roster.