Spring Headlines: Asdrubal Cabrera shut down with knee injury
One of the New York Mets main goals this offseason was to upgrade their middle infield. General manager Sandy Alderson was able to achieve that by signing veteran Asdrubal Cabrera to a two-year, $18.5 million deal and trading for Pirates second baseman Neil Walker.
All was looking good with their new double play combo too. At least until Thursday, when Cabrera tweaked his left knee while running the bases. Now they’ve learned Cabrera suffered a strained patella tendon and will be shut down for at least two weeks.
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As with any multi-week timetable in spring training, there’s concern that Cabrera will not be available for opening day. Nothing will be determined for sure until the two weeks are up, but even with good news then he’d only have 10 days to get ready for the opening day. If Cabrera is forced to start the season on the disabled list, both Ruben Tejada and Wilmer Flores will make the team coming off their own leg injuries.
As for Cabrera, he’s expected to add some extra pop to New York’s lineup when healthy. In 143 games last season, he hit .265 with 15 homers and a .744 OPS.
OTHER SPRING HEADLINES
Helping out: Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and Philadelphia catcher Carlos Ruiz will leave spring training to play for Mexico and Panama respectively in next weekend’s World Baseball Classic in Panama City. [Associated Press]
Opening day nod: With Gerrit Cole behind schedule due to an offseason ribcage injury, Francisco Liriano will make his third straight opening day start for Pittsburgh. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
Late signing: Speaking of the Pirates, they added David Freese on a one-year deal. [The Stew]
Ailing: Angels pitcher Jered Weaver is dealing with nerve tightness in his neck. [MLB.com]
Heartbreaking: Jarrod Parker suffered another fracture to his right elbow, putting his season and career in jeopardy. [The Stew]
Soreness: Astros right-hander Lance McCuller is battling shoulder soreness and is slated to visit a doctor. [@brianmctaggart]
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
