PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor will undergo surgery Wednesday to repair a stress reaction in the hamate bone of his left hand, manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters on Wednesday. Lindor, who was evaluated on Tuesday, is expected to be sidelined for the next six weeks, according to Mendoza.
Lindor began experiencing pain in his left hand over the past couple of days, president of baseball operations David Stearns said on Tuesday.
A six-week recovery period would take Lindor right up to Opening Day, though Stearns minimized the concern that his starting shortstop might miss the opener. The Mets will begin the season March 26 against the Pirates at Citi Field.
“At this point, even if it does require surgery, we would remain optimistic that Francisco would be back for Opening Day,” Stearns said Tuesday.
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.
The Mets have two bench candidates with shortstop experience already on their 40-man roster in Ronny Mauricio and Vidal Bruján. Three other non-roster invitees -- Christian Arroyo, Jackson Cluff and Grae Kessinger -- can all play the position.