Mets' Lindor Looks Sharp in Spring Training Debut

Star shortstop returns from surgery, goes 1-for-3 with a run scored

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:11am

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New York Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor made his Spring Training debut on Sunday, going 1-for-3 with a single and a run scored against the Toronto Blue Jays. Lindor, who is returning from offseason surgery, acknowledged it was a "really good experience" and that he "felt like [he] was pretty much like [himself]" and finished the game healthy.

Why it matters

Lindor's successful return to game action is an encouraging sign for the Mets as they prepare for the upcoming season. As one of the best shortstops in baseball, Lindor's production and health will be crucial to the team's playoff aspirations after narrowly missing the postseason in 2025.

The details

In his debut, Lindor went 1-for-3 with a single and a run scored before being replaced by Ronny Mauricio. His new infield partner, Marcus Semien, also had a strong game, going 1-for-2 with a home run and three RBIs. The Mets plan to take a cautious approach with Lindor, playing him every other day for the remainder of Spring Training to allow him to ramp up before Opening Day.

  • Lindor made his Spring Training debut on Sunday, March 16, 2026.
  • The Mets have seven Spring Training games remaining before Opening Day.

The players

Francisco Lindor

A star shortstop for the New York Mets who is returning from offseason surgery.

Marcus Semien

Lindor's new infield partner with the Mets, who went 1-for-2 with a home run and three RBIs in the same game.

Ronny Mauricio

A Mets prospect who replaced Lindor in the game.

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What they’re saying

“It was a really good experience. I felt like I was pretty much like myself and I finished the game healthy. Overall, it was a good day for me.”

— Francisco Lindor (MLB.com)

What’s next

The Mets plan to continue taking a cautious approach with Lindor, playing him every other day for the remainder of Spring Training to allow him to ramp up before Opening Day.

The takeaway

Lindor's successful Spring Training debut is an encouraging sign for the Mets as they look to bounce back from narrowly missing the playoffs in 2025. With Lindor, Semien, and Juan Soto leading the way, the Mets have the potential to make a deep postseason run in 2026.