Top 10 MLB players benefiting from hiatus
Michael Conforto (Career: 14.0 fWAR | 12.8 bWAR)
Before the United States locked down and baseball was slated to start on time, Michael Conforto was ruled out with a grade 1 oblique strain. Though a grade 1 strain is the mildest of oblique injuries, the team was considering starting him off on the IL with a mid-April, early-May return date.
Now, the New York Mets and Conforto can rest easy(ish) as the 2020 MLB season is slated to possibly see a June or July return date.
The 27-year-old outfielder burst into the scene in 2015, instantly becoming a fan favorite. That season, the Mets made it to the World Series and Conforto was one of the shining lights of the team, hitting .333 with 2 HR in the fall classic.
Since then, Conforto has dealt with some injuries. We’re talking shoulder dislocations and concussions. The types of injuries that will sideline you for an extended period of time, impeding on the potential of a promising young player.
in 2019, Conforto set career highs with 33 HR, 92 RBI, and 271 TB. It gave Mets fans hope for the future of the team with the young slugger at the helm.
A blessing in disguise, the novel coronavirus has spared Conforto the possibility of starting the season off on the injured-list. Now, the kid can focus on raking in 2020.