rewrite this title Mets’ Francisco Lindor reflects on spring training debut coming off injury

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor made his spring training debut against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday as he continues his recovery from the procedure he needed in February
for a stress reaction to his left hamate bone.

While speaking after the Mets’ rain-shortened 8-1 win, Lindor reflected on going 1-for-3 at the plate and playing four innings defensively against Toronto.

How Francisco Lindor was feeling after spring training debut

“It was a really good experience,” Lindor explained, per Colin Martin of SNY. “Felt like I was pretty much like myself, and I finished the game healthy. Overall, it was a good day for me. I appreciate the trainers. They have pushed me for a very long time now to be here today. I feel good.”

Lindor and the Mets have been optimistic that he will be able to play in the club’s Opening Day home game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26. However, doctors who haven’t examined him in person previously warned that he could deal with discomfort related to the initial injury through at least a portion of April.

“There’s going to be moments, yeah, for sure,” Lindor said about noticing the injury while playing. “That’s something the trainers have said from day one that I’m going to feel something. There was a bone removed, and there’s a lot of nerves there and soft tissue stuff. So yeah, there’s moments I’m going to feel it. Today, I felt like it was a good day overall. Especially that I was able to play the four innings I was supposed to and take the three at-bats I was supposed to.”

Is Francisco Lindor worried about experiencing a dip in offensive production and power? 

One concern related to Lindor’s injury is that his power at the plate could be diminished until he fully recovers. He doesn’t seem to be worried about that with Opening Day quickly approaching. 

“I don’t think it’s going to take time for the power to be there,” Lindor said. “It’s one of those where I feel fine right now, I’m in a good spot. I spent the whole offseason trying to hit the ball over 100 mph, even before my wrist injury, and think I did it once. Then today I hit two balls over 100 (mph).”

Lindor repeated that he is “optimistic about Opening Day.” It remains to be seen if he’ll still feel that way once he gets some more work in.