New York Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor got the stitches removed from his surgically-repaired left hand on Tuesday, and remains on track to return to Opening Day, manager Carlos Mendoza disclosed on Wednesday.
Lindor had surgery to repair a stress reaction in his hamate bone on Feb. 11, and was initially given a six-week timetable for a return, which would put him right at the start of the regular season.
Mendoza said that Lindor will be able to restart “impact” activities in two to three days as long as his scar is “in a good place.” He had been on the practice fields throughout the first week and a half of spring training but was not taking ground balls or hitting.
The positive prognosis should maintain the relief that the Mets will not be without one of their most important engines. The 32-year-old slashed .267/.346/.466 with 31 home runs and 31 steals last season.
All the while, he has continued to fight through injury issues. He has missed only 15 games over the last four years despite back, finger, toe, and elbow problems.
Opening Day for the Mets is March 26 at Citi Field against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
