New York Mets Star Makes Injury Admission Ahead of Opening Day The New York Mets are preparing for the 2026 season with high hopes after a disappointing finish to the previous campaign. The team made significant roster changes, spending nearly $250 million in the offseason and acquiring pitcher Freddy Peralta in a blockbuster trade to strengthen the rotation. With these upgrades, the Mets are expected to compete strongly in the National League East division. However, concerns about the health of shortstop Francisco Lindor persist. Lindor, a five-time All-Star, underwent hand surgery in mid-February to address a broken hamate bone. While he has participated in multiple spring training games, he has not yet reached full recovery. In an interview with Bleacher Report, Lindor acknowledged he is not 100% ready for the season. “Opening Day is still the plan,” he said, adding that he will not be at his peak but remains committed to playing. “Nobody is 100 percent when they depend on their body day in and day out.” Lindor’s spring training performance reflected his cautious approach. He recorded 19 at-bats, with three hits (.158 batting average), and demonstrated confidence in the field, posting a perfect 10 fielding chances, seven assists, and three putouts across five appearances. Despite these efforts, his limited playing time has raised questions about his readiness for the season. Lindor’s health is critical to the Mets’ success in 2026. ESPN’s Jeff Passan highlighted his importance, stating that the team’s playoff chances largely depend on his performance. Lindor’s 6.3 WAR in 2025 ranked among the top three shortstops in the National League, and he led the league in plate appearances and at-bats.#bleacher_report #new_york_mets #francisco_lindor #pittsburgh_pirates #freddy_peralta
Pirates and Mets Set for 2026 Opening Day Showdown After a disappointing 2025 season, both the New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates are eager to turn things around in 2026. The Mets, who saw their promising start to the season unravel in the second half and finished just one game short of the playoffs, aim to reclaim the NL East after more than a decade of sharing the division with the Nationals, Braves, and Phillies. The Pirates, meanwhile, hope to break free from last-place struggles in the National League Central, where their standout rookie Paul Skenes couldn’t single-handedly lift them to contention. The 2026 season kicks off with a highly anticipated Opening Day matchup between the two teams on April 3 at Citi Field. The game, set for a 1:15 p.m. ET first pitch, will feature a star-studded pitching duel between Skenes and the Mets’ newly acquired ace, Freddy Peralta. Skenes, the defending NL Cy Young Award winner, enters the season with a 1.97 ERA from 2025, the lowest by any Pirates starter since 1920. His performance in the World Baseball Classic and spring training has reinforced his readiness to dominate. Peralta, a two-time All-Star with a 2.70 ERA in 2025, was immediately named the Mets’ Opening Day starter by manager Carlos Mendoza, who praised his credentials and recent success. Fans can watch the game live on MLB.TV, MLB.com, NBC, or Peacock, with audio available via Audacy Mets Radio. Out-of-market viewers should note that live games are accessible in the U.S. and select international regions, though blackouts may apply. For Mets fans, the game will not be broadcast on SNY. The Pirates’ lineup for the opener is expected to lean on a revamped middle order, with Oneil Cruz leading the charge.#new_york_mets #paul_skenes #pittsburgh_pirates #carlos_mendoza #freddy_peralta
