PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor will be evaluated for a stress reaction in his left hamate bone Wednesday and could require surgery, team president of baseball operations David Stearns announced Tuesday. The injury comes as a setback for the star infielder, who hit .267 with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases last season.

Lindor has dealt with soreness in the hamate bone area "on and off for a couple of years" and played through it, Stearns said. The discomfort resurfaced when Lindor reported to spring training and began workouts. Hamate surgery would require a six-week recovery, but Stearns expressed optimism that Lindor would be ready for Opening Day on March 26 if he undergoes the procedure.

In other Mets news, Stearns confirmed slugger Juan Soto will move from right field to left field this season. Soto, who hit .263 with 43 home runs and 105 RBIs in 2025, has been practicing at the position to prepare for playing with the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. The Mets open their season March 26 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.