Francisco Lindor Returns, Ready to Shine

0:00It's March 26. I'm Cory with the story. This is New York Met's News Today, driven by AI and Bill for fans. Francisco Lindor is set to kick off the season with the New York Met's after recovering from a fractured left-homot bone in his hand. The 32-year-old shortstop had surgery back in February, and there were real doubts he'd be ready for the opener. But now he's confirmed to play when the Met's faced the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday. The Met's training staff were tired to get him back on track, turning early uncertainty into confidence. Lindor has become a big fan favorite in Queens since joining the team, and this year he's expected to showcase his skills on both sides of the ball. Fans and analysts remember how early criticism of his batting sometimes hailed his strong defense. Last season, he ranked in a 90th percentile for range, putting him right up there with top short stops like Mass and Win of the St. Louis. Cardinals Looking ahead, Lindor could push for a gold glove award if he stays healthy.

1:00There's also talk about his leadership, even though owner Steve Cohen has said the team won't name a captain, preferring the locker room to sort it out naturally. His performance this season might still cement him as a steady force for the Met's, much like past stars who anchored the franchise through changes.