WASHINGTON -- Mets infielder Wilmer Flores underwent surgery on Friday to remove part of the hamate bone in his right wrist. The Mets expect Flores, whose absence proved significant for the team down the stretch, to be ready well in advance of Spring Training.
Flores originally injured his wrist on a Sept. 10 home-plate collision with Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski. Initially, the Mets believed he suffered only a neck bruise, but Flores later complained of wrist soreness as well. Though multiple X-rays revealed no broken bones, it became clear over the course of several weeks that Flores had hamate bone damage.
He ultimately underwent surgery on Friday, writing on his Instagram account: "Thank God everything went well … thank you everybody for your wishes."
Though Flores' presence may not have affected the outcome of the National League Wild Card Game, the Mets certainly could have used him against Giants left-hander Madison Bumgarner. Among players with at least 100 plate appearances versus lefties this season, only Arizona's Yasmany Tomás and Boston's Hanley Ramirez posted a higher OPS than Flores (1.093). Eleven of Flores' 16 home runs came against lefties.
Overall, Flores hit .267 with a .788 OPS.
In 2017, he will likely reprise his role as a super sub for the Mets, starting at first and second base against lefties -- and possibly other infield positions. Though Flores began 2016 as the Mets' primary insurance policy behind David Wright at third base, the team grew disenchanted with his defense there as the summer progressed.
Flores' absence down the stretch did beget the emergence of T.J. Rivera, who started regularly at second base down the stretch, hitting .369/.389/.569 after Flores' injury.