New York Mets Frustratingly Lose Former First-Round Pick to Shoulder Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike El-Far | Last updated Feb 24, 2025 5:30 PM ET

The New York Mets are attempting to build upon their big year in 2024, in which they made a NLCS appearance.

Unfortunately, they are already plagued by the injury bug. While fielding a ground ball, Nick Madrigal tried to make a throw to first base and fell on his left shoulder. It was reported soon after that his left shoulder was dislocated.

On Monday, the Mets received even worse news. Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that Madrigal had a fracture in his shoulder and that he would be out a "long time".

Madrigal is no stranger to injuries. Since being drafted, he has missed time in every season due to a multitude of ailments, including surgery to fix a torn hamstring in 2021.

The former No. 4 pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, the former Oregon State star never has been able to string together consistent playing time. He has failed to reach 300 plate appearances in any of his five seasons in MLB.

Luisangel Acuña in his brief stint in “The Show” with the Mets at the end of last season:

14 G
.308 AVG
.325 OBP
.966 OPS
2 2B
1 3B
3 HR
6 RBI
6 R
166 wRC*
0.7 fWAR

Will the 22 year old prospect make the opening day roster?

pic.twitter.com/1S3j7SZ2TK
— NYM Stats (@nym_stats) February 17, 2025

With the injury to Madrigal, this could force the emergence of Luisangel Acuna to make the Opening Day roster. The brother of Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr., Luisangel made his debut last season and could fill Madrigal's bench role due to his versatility.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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