Mets Host Team Nicaragua as Spring Training Rolls On; Lindor Rehab Progresses, Roster Cuts Made

The New York Mets continue their Grapefruit League schedule Tuesday afternoon, welcoming Team Nicaragua to Clover Park for a 1:10 p.m. exhibition matchup . It's the first of two straight games against World Baseball Classic-bound national teams, with Team Israel on tap for Wednesday . As the Mets enter their third week of spring training, here are the latest storylines, injury updates, and roster developments to know . Lindor "Progressing Accordingly" After Hamate Surgery The biggest question hanging over camp remains the health of franchise shortstop Francisco Lindor. Lindor underwent surgery last month to repair a fracture in his right hamate bone, and while Opening Day remains the target, manager Carlos Mendoza is preaching patience . According to Mendoza, Lindor has graduated to taking one-handed swings and could soon progress to full hitting and fielding drills if his hand continues to gain strength . The four-time All-Star recently told the New York Post that he feels he's "in a good spot" and is focused on getting stronger daily, though he acknowledged it's still too early to guarantee his availability for the March 26 opener . " I think we're still too early; it's hard to tell right now, especially knowing Lindor," Mendoza said over the weekend. "This is a guy that I wouldn't be surprised if he comes in a week before we have to break and he says, 'Hey, I'm ready to go'" . If Lindor isn't ready, the Mets have internal options. Vidal Bruján and Ronny Mauricio are both in the mix to handle shortstop duties, with Mendoza expressing confidence in the club's infield depth . The team can ill afford another infield loss— Grae Kessinger is expected to miss 8-12 weeks after suffering a significant left knee injury, with surgery reportedly "on the table" . Roster Cuts Begin The Mets made their first wave of roster reductions over the weekend, optioning right-hander Alex Carrillo to Triple-A Syracuse and reassigning left-handers Anderson Severino and Matt Turner to minor league camp . Carrillo, 28, appeared in three games for New York last season and worked one scoreless inning this spring . Severino and Turner both saw action in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Astros before being trimmed from major league camp . Seventy players remain in Mets big league camp as the club begins to shape its Opening Day roster . Pitching Updates: Senga Nearing Game Action, Myers Shining There's positive movement on the pitching front as well. Kodai Senga, who struggled through an injury-marred 2025 campaign, looked sharp throwing against Mets hitters over the weekend, recording multiple strikeouts. Mendoza indicated the right-hander could make his spring debut Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals in Jupiter . Meanwhile, swingman Tobias Myers continues to impress in whatever role the Mets ask of him. Myers tossed three innings of one-run ball in his most recent start against Washington, striking out four . His versatility makes him a valuable piece as the Mets sort out their pitching staff. Sunday's Game Recap: Mets Top Astros 4-3 The Mets improved to 5-3-1 this spring with a 4-3 victory over Houston on Sunday . Clay Holmes made his final Grapefruit League start before departing to pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, allowing two runs over several innings of work . The middle of the order struggled in Saturday's 3-2 loss to Washington— Juan Soto, Bo Bichette, and Brett Baty combined to go hitless— but the lineup bounced back against the Astros . Francisco Alvarez, playing in his first game behind the plate this spring, showed off his arm with a strong throw to second on a stolen base attempt . Alvarez also successfully challenged a ball-strike call using the new automated ball-strike (ABS) system, drawing a walk . Up Next Following today's matchup with Team Nicaragua, the Mets host Team Israel on Wednesday at 1:10 p.m. before a busy weekend that includes games against the Nationals, Marlins, Cardinals, and Yankees .