Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
From the moment Francisco Lindor was told he needed surgery on his left hamate bone, the Mets shortstop fixated on the recovery time and was determined to hit every marker to return to the field as soon as possible. Lindor, whose greatest baseball influence is his father Miguel, believes the job is to be available every day, a belief that is ingrained in his soul.
Why it matters
Lindor’s commitment to playing every game is a vital piece of the Mets’ puzzle as they aim to contend this season. In an era of ‘workload management’ and platoons, Lindor’s old-school mentality and drive to be on the field daily sets him apart and provides stability and leadership for the team.
The details
Trainers provided Lindor a six-week pathway to return to play after the hamate bone surgery, and the shortstop was determined to meet every milestone. Lindor knows the culture of baseball has changed, with more rest days and platoons, but his father Miguel’s influence has instilled in him the belief that the job is to be available every day.
Lindor was told he needed surgery on his left hamate bone in early 2026.
The players
The Mets’ starting shortstop who is determined to play all 162 games this season after recovering from hamate bone surgery.
Miguel Lindor
Francisco Lindor’s father, whose belief that the job is to be available every day has been a major influence on the Mets shortstop.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“I feel like when I am available, I am helping the team win. It is not so much that I’ve got to play. I want to play. To me, it’s a true testament of that I’m doing whatever it takes to help the team win.”
— Francisco Lindor
What’s next
Lindor is expected to make his 2026 debut on Opening Day against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Paul Skenes.
The takeaway
Lindor’s unwavering commitment to being available and playing every game, instilled in him by his father, is a rare and valuable trait in today’s game of load management. This mentality makes Lindor a vital piece of the Mets’ puzzle as they aim to contend this season.