Francisco Lindor’s hamate surgery rehab is tracking toward a March 25 target, potentially making him available for Opening Day; Nolan McLean is lined up to start for Team USA vs Italy in WBC pool play. Betting angle: back Lindor in early-season player-prop markets if cleared, but treat McLean WBC starters and small-sample props cautiously — prefer light or live bets until form is confirmed.
Francisco Lindor Making Steady Progress Toward Potential Opening Day Return
Francisco Lindor’s rehab from hamate surgery is advancing on schedule. The MLB shortstop has resumed playing catch and aims to take batting practice midweek after stitches were removed. Lindor underwent surgery on February 11 to repair a stress reaction in his left hamate bone, and the team has estimated a roughly six-week recovery timeline that would put him on track for March 25 — the day before Opening Day at Citi Field.
Recovery Timeline and Availability
Hamate injuries typically require four to eight weeks of recovery. Lindor’s consistent availability over recent seasons and his history of playing through minor ailments make him a strong candidate to be back in the lineup by season start, either at shortstop or as a designated hitter depending on how the Mets manage his workload.
Nolan McLean Slated to Start for Team USA Against Italy
After experiencing vertigo-like symptoms last week, right-hander Nolan McLean is ready to pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. He is currently lined up to start against Italy on March 10, Team USA’s fourth pool-play game. McLean plans one final Minor League spring outing in Port St. Lucie before joining the national team in Arizona.
Team USA Rotation and Tournament Context
Team USA’s projected pool-play rotation includes Logan Webb (March 6 vs Brazil), Tarik Skubal (March 7 vs Great Britain), Paul Skenes (March 9 vs Mexico) and McLean (March 10 vs Italy). If Team USA has already clinched advancement, McLean’s start could be lower-pressure; if an upset occurs, his outing could become an elimination-style assignment. Pool play runs March 5–11, followed by single-elimination quarterfinals and semifinals, with the Championship on March 17.
Mets Presence in the World Baseball Classic
Seventeen players with Mets ties are participating in the 20-team tournament. Notable names include Juan Soto (Dominican Republic), Huascar Brazobán (Dominican Republic), Alex Carrillo (Mexico), Clay Holmes (United States), Nick Morabito (Italy), Mark Vientos (Nicaragua) and Jared Young (Canada). Their international play will be monitored closely by the Mets as Spring Training concludes.
Betting Implications and What Punters Should Watch
Lindor: If he’s cleared for March 25, expect increased confidence in Mets Opening Day lineup futures, early-season player props (hits, RBIs, runs) and DFS pricing. Monitor final medical reports and batting-practice activity before staking significant wagers.
McLean and WBC: McLean’s start is intriguing for WBC markets and pitcher-specific props, but small-sample international play and recent health concerns counsel caution. Punters should favor smaller stakes or live bets, and assess matchup specifics — Italy’s lineup and the game’s elimination context — before committing.
Nolan McLean bestowed with potential massive Team USA honor
General: Watch final roster confirmations, official injury updates and warmup reports. Those details will shift market prices quickly for both season-long Mets markets and short-term WBC lines.
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