The injury bug has reportedly hit the New York Mets before the 2019 season has even begun. Anthony DiComo of MLB.com has reported that veteran third baseman Todd Frazier is out indefinitely after suffering a strained oblique. While DiComo’s report specified that the injury “doesn’t appear to be severe,” it will keep Frazier from valuable practice as the season rapidly approaches. It also puts his Opening Day availability in question.
Todd Frazier is injured after all. He has an oblique strain that "doesn't appear to be severe," according to a Mets official. But he'll have a cortisone injection and there's no timetable for his return.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 26, 2019
Todd Frazier Sidelined
In his first full season in Queens, Frazier played 115 games and contributed 18 home runs and 59 RBI with a .213 batting average. He was expected to form a platoon at first and third base heading into 2019 and provide valuable depth and veteran leadership.
New York’s Infield Situation
Frazier is the second Mets infielder to suffer an injury during Spring Training. Newly acquired All-Star Jed Lowrie is dealing with a left knee issue that may keep him on the sidelines for the next several weeks. Lowrie’s injury is also considered to be a short-term issue. However, the team may begin the season with a very thin rotation at the hot corner.
After a busy off-season, the Mets were able to add several capable infielders to their roster. If both Frazier and Lowrie are unable to return by Opening Day, the team will rely on utility players J.D. Davis and Jeff McNeil to fill the void. McNeil, who the team plans to employ as an outfielder, has four career starts at third. Davis has played 45 games at the position over the past two seasons.
The Mets were aware that having several older infielders on their roster could create potential injury issues. New General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen also went to great lengths to add depth and interchangeable pieces during the offseason. New York seems as well equipped as any team in baseball to survive without two of its starting infielders.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
