New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor will play his first spring training game on Sunday since undergoing surgery to repair the hamate bone in his left hand. He will lead off and play shortstop facing the Toronto Blue Jays, days after taking live batting practice and taking ground balls in the field.
Lindor, 32, was expected to be sidelined for six weeks when he had the procedure on Feb. 11 to repair a stress reaction in the bone, located on the lower outside edge of the hand. At the time, the Mets expected him to be ready by Opening Day, which is now less than two weeks away.
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The Mets have eight games remaining on their Grapefruit League schedule before opening the season at home on March 26 versus the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Lindor had surgery the day before pitchers and catchers reported to Port St. Lucie, Florida for spring training. He had complained of soreness in his left hand previously, but played through the discomfort. However, with the issue lingering before preparations for this season began, the team encouraged Lindor to get evaluated by a specialist.
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Returning in time for Opening Day is an encouraging sign for Lindor, compared to other major leaguers who also had surgery in early February to repair hamate injuries this spring.
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Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll played in his first Cactus League game on Wednesday. Unlike Lindor’s stress reaction, Carroll broke his hamate bone during batting practice and underwent surgery on Feb. 11. Hewas unable to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic because of the injury and the D-Backs have not said whether or not he’ll be ready for Opening Day.
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday suffered his hamate injury during early spring workouts and had surgery on Feb. 12. Like Carroll, he had the hamate removed in surgery. The Orioles have already said he will not be in their Opening Day lineup.
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Last season, Lindor hit .267/.346/.466 with 31 home runs, 35 doubles, 86 RBI and 31 stolen bases in 732 plate appearances. He played in 160 games, the third time during his Mets career that he appeared in at least that many games.
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