Francisco Lindor may need surgery in early Mets injury blow

PORT ST. LUCIE — Most position players haven’t yet officially reported to camp, but the Mets already have a potential injury concern to the lineup.

Francisco Lindor will be evaluated Wednesday for a potential stress reaction in the hamate bone in his left hand, according to president of baseball operations David Stearns, and will be facing a six-week recovery if surgery is needed.

But Stearns said he is “optimistic” Lindor would be ready for Opening Day, even if surgery is needed.

Lindor’s hand soreness has been “off and on” in recent seasons, according to Stearns.

“He’s usually able to grind through it and he’s done it,” Stearns said. “I think it persisted to the point where he felt like he should say something about it.”

Lindor, 32, originally planned to represent Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, but that plan was scrapped after the shortstop was denied insurance coverage by the event’s insurer. Lindor underwent a second elbow surgery in three offseasons in October.

Stearns declined to divulge a contingency plan if Lindor isn’t ready for Opening Day. The in-house options to fill shortstop during the Grapefruit League include Ronny Mauricio, Vidal Brujan and Grae Kessinger.