The New York Mets are facing an injury concern before the season begins, as star shortstop Francisco Lindor has reported soreness in his left hamate bone. According to David Stearns, the President of Baseball Operations, Lindor will undergo evaluation by a specialist to determine whether he has a stress reaction that might necessitate surgery. This injury comes at a critical time with Spring Training beginning and Opening Day scheduled for March 26 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, just 44 days away.

Lindor, who is 32 years old, has a strong track record of durability, having never been placed on the injured list since joining the Mets in 2021 and playing in at least 152 games in each of the last four seasons. The standard recovery time for surgery on the hamate bone is approximately six weeks, which poses a significant risk of sidelining him during the early part of the season. His absence would be a considerable blow to the Mets, as they rely heavily on his performance both defensively and offensively.

This situation highlights the physical challenges faced by athletes in Major League Baseball, particularly as they prepare for a long season ahead. Lindor's previous consistency and reliability make this potential setback particularly concerning for both fans and the team management. The outcome of his upcoming evaluation will be pivotal in determining the Mets’ lineup and overall strategy as they approach the start of the season.