Three prominent MLB stars are dealing with hamate bone injuries as the 2026 season approaches, raising early concerns about availability and power production. Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll has suffered a broken hamate bone in his right hand, Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday will open the season on the injured list following surgery for the same injury, and New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is currently being evaluated for a possible hamate issue.
Corbin Carroll Injury Update
Carroll suffered a broken hamate bone in his right hand during batting practice on Tuesday. He is slated to undergo surgery on Wednesday and is likely to start the season on the injured list.
Francisco Lindor Injury Update
Lindor will undergo hamate surgery on his left hand, according to Manager Carlos Mendoza. Lindor previously underwent a debridement procedure on his right elbow earlier in the offseason, and insurance coverage issues related to that injury prevented the Team Puerto Rico captain from participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Jackson Holliday Injury Update
Holliday will open the 2026 season on the injured list after fracturing the hamate bone in his right hand during live batting practice on Feb. 6.
Hamate Fracture Analysis
Hamate bone fractures — involving a small, hook-shaped bone on the palm side of the hand — are common among hitters because of the stress placed on the lower hand during swings. Surgical repair is often required and typically sidelines players for four to eight weeks.
Dr. David Chao, known as Pro Football Doc, said the outlook for hamate surgery is generally positive but not without limitations.
“The good news is surgery is very reliable,” Chao said. “The bad news is the bone doesn’t heal very well because of the hook nature and shape of it. Surgery is not actually to fix the fracture in terms of repair. It’s to remove the tip, or the hook, that is broken, typically to get rid of the pain.”
Chao said the procedure allows for a relatively predictable recovery timeline.
“That makes recovery fairly reliable and fairly quick — four to six weeks to be able to do things — but usually a couple of months to feel like you’re 100%,” he said.
Chao added that the players in question are likely to miss Opening Day but should return at some point during the season.
“It does seem like these players will miss Opening Day. They will play and be 100% this season. It’s just a matter of when,” Chao said. “The timeline to return to play can be as early as six to eight weeks, but probably three to four months before they feel like they’re 100% and back to what they’re able to do.”
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