NY Mets injury update: Every player we know will start the year on the IL

2B/3B Nick Madrigal - Shoulder

On February 28th, Carlos Mendoza announced that Madrigal would need surgery to repair a fractured left shoulder, possibly taking the utility infielder out for the entire season. During a split-squad Spring Training game against the Washington Nationals, Madrigal dove to the ground while throwing a ball to first and landed awkwardly on his shoulder, causing his immediate removal from the game. It was later announced that the shoulder was fractured and would require surgery. The Mets placed Madrigal on the 60-day IL and in a corresponding move acquired Alexander Canario from the Chicago Cubs.

Madrigal has spent his career as a backup infielder, playing in games for both Chicago teams since his 2020 debut. In a combined 285 games played across five seasons, the 28-year-old has slashed .274/.323/.344. Last season with the Cubs, he batted .221 with a .535 OPS in 51 games.

The Mets likely wouldn't have much use for Madrigal this year anyway with young players such as Luisangel Acuña and Brett Baty being able to serve in backup infield roles, but as the Mets have learned the hard way before, you can never have too much depth. Losing Madrigal doesn't seem like too big a deal for the team, but just a few unexpected turns can cause this to bite them later.