New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor will have surgery on his left hamate bone on Wednesday in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and is projected to be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks, according to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. This timeline puts Lindor’s potential return just beyond the Mets’ season opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26. The team remains hopeful that Lindor, a key player for the Mets, will recover in time for Opening Day.
Lindor had previously experienced pain in his left hand’s hamate, a small bone located on the lower outside edge, but had been able to play through the discomfort until recently. Concerns grew when the pain returned early in the season, leading to a specialist consultation on Wednesday and the decision to proceed with surgery.
Mets Leadership Shares Positive Outlook on Lindor’s Recovery
Both manager Carlos Mendoza and president of baseball operations David Stearns expressed guarded optimism about Lindor’s recovery. Mendoza mentioned Lindor will commence running and throwing routines after his stitches are removed approximately 10 days post-operation. Despite the setback, Mendoza remains confident in Lindor’s determination to return swiftly, stating,
“I’m not going to bet against him.”
– Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
This positive stance contrasts with other recent hamate injury reports in Major League Baseball, where Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll and Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday were both ruled out for the start of their seasons following similar surgeries. Carroll underwent surgery Wednesday, while Holliday was set for it on Thursday.
Previous Mets Experience with Hamate Injuries
Last season, Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez endured a similar hamate fracture in his left hand during spring training and did not make his season debut until nearly seven weeks later. Alvarez struggled initially at the plate, hitting just one home run in 109 plate appearances during the early part of the season. His recovery was complicated by a prior ligament injury in his left thumb, but the injury underscores the challenge batsmen face in regaining power post-hamate surgery.
Even if Lindor returns in time for the season opener, it is expected he may need additional time to regain his full offensive prowess, as hitters recovering from the procedure often experience a gradual return of their typical power over several months.
Mendoza noted,
“Every player is different, but knowing the person, knowing the player, pretty comfortable saying that he’s going to be ready to go,”
highlighting his faith in Lindor’s ability to bounce back.
Lindor’s Durable Track Record and Recent Injury History
At age 32, Lindor has proven durable, having not been placed on the injured list since 2021 despite various minor injuries. In 2024, he missed a few games late in the season due to back issues but still led the majors in plate appearances with 732, hitting 31 home runs and stealing 31 bases. He played in at least 160 games in three of the last four seasons, only falling short in 2024 with 152 games—still an impressive total that earned him second place in National League MVP voting.
In October, Lindor had an elbow debridement but was expected to fully participate in spring training before the hamate injury was detected. Mendoza remarked on Lindor’s tireless work ethic, saying,
“I think the only time he feels 100% is day one of spring training since I’ve been here.”
Shortstop Depth Questions for Mets Amid Lindor’s Absence
The Mets face an uncertain shortstop situation with Lindor’s extended recovery. After trading Luisangel Acuna to the Chicago White Sox for Luis Robert Jr., the team lacks a clear backup at the position. Bo Bichette, the most experienced shortstop currently in camp, has spent seven seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays primarily at shortstop. However, he was signed by New York on a three-year, $126 million contract to play third base, a role he has never professionally occupied. The Mets are focused on easing Bichette into his new position rather than immediately shifting him back to shortstop.
Mendoza emphasized this approach:
“As of right now, that’s not on the table. But, again, this is a guy that’s played shortstop. But we got to get to that point. That transition is not going to be that hard. So, right now, we have to make sure we get him comfortable at third base and that’s where he’s going to be getting his work defensively.”
Instead, the Mets are relying on a group of less experienced players to cover shortstop duties in Grapefruit League games. These include Ronny Mauricio, Vidal Bruján, Jackson Cluff, and Grae Kessinger. Among these, Bruján has the most major league experience at shortstop with 36 starts, while Mauricio, a Mets farm system product, is returning from a significant knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season and has only accrued 24 innings at shortstop in his major league career.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Lindor’s Return and Team Strategy
Francisco Lindor’s hamate surgery is a significant early-season hurdle for the Mets, testing their roster flexibility and depth. While the timeline projects a six-week recovery, the team acknowledges the challenge of a full offensive rebound after such injuries. Lindor’s resilience and past durability offer hope for a timely return, yet the Mets must prepare for contingencies if his recovery extends.
As the team prepares for the March 26 season opener, the Mets’ strategy will hinge on managing player roles, particularly at shortstop, while supporting Lindor’s rehabilitation. The progression of his recovery will influence lineup decisions and potentially trade or roster moves as the season advances.
