Metropolitan star shortstop Lindor's hamate bone injury awaits evaluation, surgery may be required, opening day status uncertain

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor's participation on opening day is uncertain due to a left hand injury.

David Stearns, the baseball operations president, revealed to the media before the team’s first official training session that Lindor will be assessed today for a hamate bone stress reaction, a symptom that has developed over recent days. The team will determine if surgery is necessary, which would require a six-week recovery period.

This would bring Lindor’s recovery timeline dangerously close to opening day, though Stearns downplayed concerns about the possibility of their starting shortstop missing the opener. The Mets are set to begin the new season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26 at Citi Field.

“At this point, even if surgery is needed,” Stearns said, “we remain optimistic that Francisco will be ready for opening day.”

At 32 years old, Lindor has dealt with minor injuries in recent years but remains one of the most durable players in the league. Over the past four seasons, he has averaged 158 games per year. Last October, Lindor underwent a right elbow debridement surgery, which sidelined him from the World Baseball Classic. Additionally, he played through a toe fracture last season and struggled with back issues late in 2024.

Despite these setbacks, Lindor has consistently delivered top-tier offensive production as a shortstop, ranking in the top ten of the National League MVP voting for three consecutive years starting in 2022.

If Lindor must sit out, the Mets have two backup shortstops with experience on their 40-man roster: Ronny Mauricio and Vidal Bruján. Furthermore, three non-roster invitees—Christian Arroyo, Jackson Cluff, and Grae Kessinger—are also capable of filling the shortstop role.