Francisco Lindor News: Cleared for spring debut

Lindor (hand) will start at shortstop and bat leadoff in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

Lindor's availability for Opening Day looked to be in doubt after he required surgery Feb. 11 to address a fractured hamate bone in his left hand, but the five-time All-Star has made excellent progress in his recovery. After he was able to resume playing shortstop in a minor-league game earlier in the week, Lindor took live batting practice Friday, setting him up for Sunday's spring debut. Assuming he's able to stockpile at-bats over the final week of Grapefruit League play, Lindor looks like he'll be available when the Mets begin their season March 26 versus the Pirates.