Star shortstop Francisco Lindor will be evaluated for a stress reaction in his left hamate bone on Wednesday and could need surgery, New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said Tuesday.

The hand surgery would require a six-week recovery, but Stearns emphasized he's "optimistic" that Lindor would be ready for Opening Day on March 26 if he undergoes the procedure.

Stearns said Lindor has dealt with soreness in the hamate bone area "on and off for a couple of years" and played through it. The discomfort resurfaced in recent days when Lindor reported to camp and began workouts with the club.

"I think it just persisted to the point where he felt like he should say something about it," Stearns said. "And once we examined it yesterday, our medical staff determined that he should go see a specialist."

Stearns also delivered news about the Mets' other franchise cornerstone on Tuesday, announcing that Juan Soto will move from right field to left field this season.