The New York Mets made some major announcements regarding their star outfielder and shortstop.
The New York Mets made some major roster moves this offseason but kept two major franchise stars: outfielder Juan Soto and shortstop Francisco Lindor. However, any consistency that duo offered was all but blown up when it was announced that Lindor suffered an injury and Soto would be making a position switch. Lindor will be evaluated for a stress fracture in his left hamate bone and may need surgery, which would be a six-week recovery. However, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is “optimistic” that Lindor would still be ready for Opening Day on March 26.
Lindor has played through some soreness in the hamate bone area for the last few years “on and off.” The hamate bone is a small, hook-shaped bone near the pink side of the wrist. He informed the medical staff when the discomfort was noticeable upon reporting to camp. It’s a difficult injury for hitters with the effect on grip strength and obvious pain management.
Here is the full story from Mets Roundtable writer Nick Radosevich on the major news.
Meanwhile, Stearns announced that Soto would be moving from right to left field. Soto made 160 starts for New York in his first season, 157 in right field and three as their designated hitter. Soto does have credible experience at left field, with 458 career starts there in his first eight seasons in baseball. He’s also prepping to play left field for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. That’ll be intriguing to watch, but losing Lindor is a massive blow for the team’s hopes.