Trending Now - Lindor Confident in Readiness for Opening Day With Mets

WHO:

Francisco Lindor, shortstop for the New York Mets

David Stearns, president of baseball operations for the New York Mets

Jonah Tong, Mets' No. 3 prospect

Carlos Mendoza, manager of the New York Mets

WHAT:

Lindor played four defensive innings in a Minor League game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Mets won the game 6-1.

Lindor expressed he is "100 percent optimistic" about being ready for Opening Day.

Lindor underwent surgery on February 11th to repair a stress reaction in his left hamate bone.

The expected recovery time from the surgery was six weeks.

Lindor had a batting line of .267/.346/.466 with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases in 2025.

Jonah Tong was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse by the Mets.

WHERE:

Clover Park, Port St. Lucie, Florida, where the Minor League game took place.

Citi Field, New York, where the Mets will open the season against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

WHEN:

The Mets' Opening Day is scheduled for March 26th, 2026.

Lindor's surgery occurred on February 11th, 2026.

The Mets optioned Jonah Tong on March 10th, 2026.

WHY:

Lindor's surgery was necessary due to abnormal hand soreness that did not subside on its own.

The Mets are managing player health and development, as indicated by their decision to option Tong to Triple-A.

HOW:

Lindor has been swinging a bat in an indoor cage since his surgery.

The Mets are stretching out their six healthy starters in preparation for the season.

(UPDATED March 11, 2026 01:31 UTC)

In a promising return, Francisco Lindor played four defensive innings in a Minor League game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, where the Mets secured a 6-1 victory. Lindor, who underwent surgery on February 11 to repair a stress reaction in his left hamate bone, expressed he is "100 percent optimistic" about being ready for Opening Day on March 26. Meanwhile, the Mets have optioned their No. 3 prospect, Jonah Tong, to Triple-A Syracuse as they continue to manage player health and development.