As players have begun to report to spring camp, there has already been a rash of injuries. This season, however, they are not only happening to some superstars, but they are also the same injury. Francisco Lindor, Corbin Carroll and Jackson Holliday all broke their hamate bone this week and will miss significant time this spring. Carroll and Holliday will undergo surgery, miss the World Baseball Classic and have Opening Day availability in question. Lindor has not yet decided on surgery, but after being denied insurance for the WBC, he is also in danger of missing Opening Day.
Hamate injuries typically carry a return timeline of six to eight weeks, with many players noting that they do not feel fully healed for three to four months. The hamate bone is a small, hook-shaped bone located on the medial side of the wrist on the palm, just beneath the pinky. For hitters, this injury often occurs because the bat rests against that part of the hand during the swing. While hamate fractures are extremely rare for the average person, they have become increasingly common among baseball hitters over the years.
From a fantasy perspective, the primary concern with hamate injuries is not necessarily the missed time, but the lingering impact on power. Reduced grip strength does not usually affect bat-to-ball skills, but it can significantly sap power until the wrist is fully recovered. That makes these injuries particularly tricky to evaluate in drafts.
Among the three stars affected, each should be approached with measured caution. Carroll’s game is built largely on speed, and he opted for surgery immediately. He deserves a slight downgrade, but he should not fall out of the second round. His power could return by June, and the rest of his skill set remains intact. Holliday is younger and therefore more volatile, but he should not be downgraded significantly given his premium position and strong supporting lineup. Lindor may be impacted the most if he ultimately requires surgery, though much of his value comes from areas beyond power. He remains a top-two-round talent.
None of these hitters rely solely on power, which helps preserve their fantasy value, but all should be downgraded slightly.