PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor had the stitches removed from his surgically repaired left hand on Tuesday, keeping him on track for an Opening Day return.
Lindor, who underwent Feb. 11 surgery to repair a stress reaction in his left hamate bone, can restart “impact” activities in approximately 2-3 days, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. To date, Lindor has been spending time with his infield teammates during defensive drills but not handling ground balls himself.
At the time of Lindor’s injury, team officials estimated a six-week timetable for his return. That would take him to the week of Opening Day, giving Lindor a chance to return for the Mets’ March 26 opener against the Pirates.
Lindor, 32, has missed only 15 games the past four years combined, despite back, finger, toe and elbow issues. He batted .267/.346/.466 last season with 31 homers and 31 steals, submitting his second 30-30 performance in the last three years.