Major League Baseball teams are confronting unexpected difficulties as Francisco Lindor, Corbin Carroll, and Jackson Holliday all prepare for surgery to address hamate bone injuries ahead of the 2026 season. These injuries, which affect a small bone in the wrist critical for bat control and power, threaten the opening rosters and raise concerns about the players’ ability to return to peak form quickly.
Multiple Key Players Sidelined by Hamate Bone Injuries
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll, New York Mets’ Francisco Lindor, and Baltimore Orioles’ Jackson Holliday have all been diagnosed with fractures in their hamate bones, requiring surgical repair. Carroll revealed the injury during live batting practice, telling manager Torey Lovullo,
“I think I just broke my hand.”
This injury will sideline Carroll for the World Baseball Classic, where he was a highly anticipated player for Team USA following his standout 2025 season.
Lindor, who just completed his second career 30-30 season and posted a 6.3 fWAR, one of the highest among National League shortstops, faces uncertainty about making the Mets’ Opening Day lineup. Despite team optimism, his status remains unclear. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed confidence, stating,
“I’m not going to bet against him.”
Jackson Holliday, coming off a season where he started 161 games for Baltimore and sought to elevate his status as a top prospect, is also dealing with hamate injury surgery. His injury affects his throwing hand, and he is likely to miss the start of the year as he recovers.
Understanding the Hamate and Its Impact on Players
The hamate bone is a small, hook-shaped bone located in the wrist near where a player grips the bat. Because of its position, it is vulnerable to injury when players check swings or experience forceful bat vibrations. A fracture to this bone typically necessitates surgery and a recovery period lasting about six weeks, followed by strength rehabilitation.
Post-surgery, players begin with immobilization to heal the incision, followed by gradual grip-strength rebuilding. Even after clearance for live batting practice, full recovery of power and bat control can take much longer, often extending over months. This delay occurs because the hamate anchors muscles essential for grip and swing force.
Past cases illustrate the challenges: Giancarlo Stanton fractured his hamate in 2015 and experienced a noticeable drop in power despite returning the same season. Similarly, Bryce Harper needed extra time after his 2022 surgery before regaining full strength, highlighting that surgery repairs the bone but does not instantly restore batting power.
Consequences for the 2026 Season Across Three Franchises
The timing of these injuries is particularly damaging for teams with high expectations in 2026. The Diamondbacks lose Carroll’s speed and power at the top of their lineup, putting their NL West ambitions in jeopardy. Carroll’s historic 2025 season marked him as the franchise’s first 30-30 club member, making his absence a significant blow.
For the Mets, Lindor is the linchpin of an offense that recently lost Pete Alonso to free agency. Without Lindor, the team faces a sizable gap in offensive production, and even a quick return might not guarantee immediate power restoration, complicating the Mets’ pursuit of contention.
The Orioles face a setback in Holliday’s development. Despite his durability last season, this injury disrupts his momentum as he aims to join the league’s elite players. His recovery delay could affect Baltimore’s plans to strengthen their lineup with emerging talent.
Future Outlook and Recovery Challenges
The three players’ returns are highly anticipated, yet the critical concern will be how effectively and swiftly they regain their power hitting after surgery. The hamate bone setback has become an unexpected hurdle, threatening early-season readiness and long-term performance. Teams and fans alike will monitor their rehabilitation closely as the 2026 season approaches, knowing the real story is not just their return, but the restoration of their offensive impact.
