Francisco Lindor, a veteran shortstop, is facing a setback as he undergoes hand surgery due to a stress reaction in his hamate bone. This injury will keep him out of the Grapefruit League, impacting his ability to build rapport with his double play partner, Marcus Semien. Manager Carlos Mendoza expresses optimism about Lindor's availability for Opening Day, noting his history of playing through injuries. However, Lindor's absence from spring training will hinder his defensive contributions. The Mets will proceed with full-squad workouts, utilizing players like Ronny Mauricio, Vidal Brujan, Grae Kessinger, and Jackson Cluff in Lindor's absence. Mendoza reassures fans that Lindor will prioritize team defense and maintain communication with Semien. This surgery is the latest in a series of setbacks for Lindor, who previously withdrew from the World Baseball Classic due to insurance issues. Lindor's recovery time is estimated at six weeks, and his performance last season was impressive, with a .267/.346/.466 slash line, 31 homers, and 31 stolen bases. The Mets' focus remains on getting early reps for their players, with adjustments to be made as necessary.
