Francisco Lindor Returns to Mets Lineup After Surgery Ahead of Opening Day

In a much-anticipated return, Francisco Lindor has rejoined the New York Mets lineup, signaling an end to the team’s early-spring worries. After undergoing surgery on February 11 to repair a stress fracture in his left hamate bone, Lindor’s availability for the start of the season was uncertain. However, he took the field as the leadoff hitter and starting shortstop against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 15, just 11 days before the Mets are set to kick off their season at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The five-time All-Star, now 32, has diligently progressed through his rehabilitation during spring training, even participating in three minor league games in the week leading up to his return. “He’s ready to go,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza stated confidently to reporters in Port St. Lucie, Florida. “It’s time for him to start playing for us after checking all the boxes and racking up good days.”

During his debut, Lindor faced off against his former Blue Jays teammates, playing alongside new double-play partner Marcus Semien at second base and Bo Bichette at third. Although Lindor struck out in his first plate appearance, his presence in the lineup is a significant boost for the Mets as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Lindor was one of three notable players to undergo hamate surgery at the beginning of spring training. Typically, the hamate bone is either removed or repaired, which can sideline players for six to eight weeks. Remarkably, both Lindor and Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star outfielder Corbin Carroll, who had surgery a day later, have returned around the one-month mark. In contrast, Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday, who also had surgery on February 12, is expected to start the season on the injured list with a return projected for mid-April.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.