Francisco Lindor makes spring debut for Mets a month after surgery

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The New York Mets' early-spring nightmare has ended: Francisco Lindor is back in the lineup.

Lindor underwent surgery Feb. 11 to repair a stress fracture in his left hamate bone, a procedure that figured to jeopardize his availability for opening day. Yet Lindor is leading off and starting at shortstop against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, March 15, a full 11 days before the Mets are scheduled to open the season at home against Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Lindor, the 32-year-old five-time All-Star, steadily worked through a rehab progression as spring training unfolded and appeared in three minor league games in the past week.

"He's ready to go," manager Carlos Mendoza told 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."


Lindor, who struck out in his first plate appearance, debuted with new double-play partner Marcus Semien alongside at second base, and flanked at third by Bo Bichette, who will face his former Blue Jays teammates that made the trip from Dunedin to Port St. Lucie.

He was one of three prominent players who required hamate surgery at the outset of spring training. The hamate bone is typically removed or repaired, and can sideline players from six to eight weeks. Yet Lindor and Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star outfielder Corbin Carroll, who underwent surgery Feb. 12 and reported his hand "felt fine," returned around the one-month mark.

Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday underwent surgery Feb. 12 as well, but will open the season on the injured list and is expected back in mid-April.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Francisco Lindor makes spring debut for Mets month after surgery

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