Bad news out of the Arizona Fall League this week. Kristy Robinson reports that Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Robbie Grossman has fractured his hamate bone, and will have surgery to repair the injury later this week. The injury will end Grossman’s AFL season, although he shouldn’t miss any time during the 2012 season.
The big downside to a hamate injury is that it can sap a player of his power for about a year. Grossman made a big jump in that department this past year, hitting 13 homers and slugging .451 in 490 at-bats. He will make the jump to AA next year, which is the most difficult jump to make for hitters in the first place. It would be a surprise if we see him top his 2011 power numbers in 2012, or even match them.
