Spring started off on a low point with the Mets. Francisco Lindor had a fractured hamate bone and was debating surgery. He was the first of three high profile players to be diagnosed with the same injury (Corbin Carroll and Jackson Holliday announcing their injuries the day after Lindor). Lindor quickly got the surgery the same week and the Mets remained consistently optimistic that he would be ready for Opening Day.
Personally, I wasn’t sure I believed it until late last week when Lindor played in a minor league and then took live BP. Today he takes a significant step forward, playing in his first spring training game of the season!
Three Things To Watch For:
- Francisco Lindor. During live BP this week Lindor ripped a ground-rule double. All eyes will be on Lindor. How does he look in the field? Does he have his power? How is his timing? Most importantly, how does Lindor feel after the game? The Mets unofficial captain has been tremendous since arriving to Queens. In his last four seasons he has posted 24.3 bWAR and has hit 30+ home runs in three consecutive seasons.
- Zach Thornton. Thornton got his first spring training start earlier last week where he allowed no runs over two innings, scattering two hits and a walk while striking out three batters. He’s coming off of injury shortened season that was turning heads. Over 72 2/3 innings between Binghamton and Brooklyn he had a 1.98 ERA and 0.812 WHIP. Last week he picked up right where he left off in 2025, and hopefully that continues today.
- Jorge Polanco. We’ll have to wait at least a day to see Lindor throwing balls across the infield to Polanco as the Mets first basement gets a day of DH duties. Polanco has been tremendous at the plate for the Mets this spring going 5-for-14 with two home runs, three walks and three runs scored (.500 OBP, 1.286 OPS).
Let’s Go Mets!
