SAN DIEGO -- Franmil Reyes burst onto the scene in 2018, turning himself into a formidable big league slugger and a key piece in the middle of the Padres' lineup. His brilliant rookie year won't have such a charmed ending.
On Wednesday, Reyes was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee, which he sustained while playing for Escogido in the Dominican Winter League. The 23-year-old right fielder will undergo surgery on Thursday, and he's expected to be sidelined for 4-8 weeks, per a team official.
Reyes is expected to be healthy in time for the start of Spring Training in February, but don't be surprised if the Padres play it safe when camp opens. In any case, the injury shouldn't affect his prospects for Opening Day.
In 87 games last season, Reyes batted .280/.340/.498 with 16 homers. He was San Diego's nominee for the Hank Aaron Award, given to the best offensive player on each team.
The Padres expressed optimism that the injury won't slow Reyes' rapid ascent. A year ago, he was left unprotected during the Rule 5 Draft, but the other 29 clubs passed on him. (Of course, Reyes was coming off an injury then, too -- a broken hamate bone in his left hand.)
Reyes debuted in May, but didn't hit his stride until the second half of the season, when he anchored himself in a crowded outfield. He batted .315/.383/.537 with 10 dingers in the second half.
The Padres are currently mulling what to do with their glut of corner outfielders -- including Reyes, Hunter Renfroe, William Myers and Franchy Cordero. It seems likely one of them is dealt this offseason, and Reyes was a candidate. It's unclear how the injury might affect his prospects of being traded.