New York Mets infielder Francisco Lindor. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Francisco Lindor encouraged after playing in minor league game

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 10:07 AM ET

The New York Mets received some great news regarding All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who is recovering from surgery to repair a stress reaction in his left hamate bone on Feb. 11 and is struggling to find his grip on the ball when playing shortstop.

Lindor played four defensive innings in a minor league game on Tuesday and was encouraged following the outing.

“It felt really good,” Lindor said to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. “I’m tired. It’s part of the process. It was a good day today.”

"It’s not going to be something where my errors are going to come because of not being as strong in my hands,” Lindor said. “At the end of the day, I can catch the ball. So I’m in a good spot. I can’t complain.”

Lindor has not played in any spring training games because of this injury, so he might need some time to warm up when he returns to the lineup, whether that' on Opening Day or sometime shortly after.

Francisco Lindor has confidence in David Stearns and the Mets to get him healthy

Despite the lack of playing in spring training or for his home country of Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic — Lindor failed to get the necessary insurance — the five-time All-Star has faith in president of baseball operations David Stearns and the training staff.

“I share his confidence for sure,” Lindor said of Stearns. “Our training staff is really good. They’ve been doing everything possible. …You have all of them working as hard as they can, and they’re getting me right day in and day out. I trust the process.”

The Mets' training staff has been busy the past couple of seasons dealing with injuries, mostly on the pitching side. Starting pitcher Tylor McGill and reliever Reed Garrett will both miss 2026 due to Tommy John surgery.

Left-handed reliever A.J. Minter — the Mets’ free agent signing in the 2025 offseason (two years, $22 million) — should return in May after having left lat surgery.

The Mets need Francisco Lindor back to be successful

The Mets collapsed down the stretch last season (28-37) and allowed the Cincinnati Reds to take their place in the playoffs. Lindor is one of the Mets' core players — signing a 10-year, $341 million contract in 2021 — along with outfielder Juan Soto, who will help guide the team after long-time Mets first baseman Pete Alonso left in free agency.

Since 2022, Lindor has been one of the best players in baseball. He has finished in the top 10 for MVP voting the last four seasons, finishing second in 2024.

Mets owner Steve Cohen stated he would never have a captain while he's in charge of the team. However, Lindor is the Mets captain without having the title. If Lindor is ready to start Opening Day, the Mets could be in a better position to get off to a good start.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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