Guardians Top Prospect Forced Out Of Game With Hand Injury

Cleveland Guardians top prospect George Valera was forced to leave Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Kansas City Royals due to right wrist discomfort.

Valera, who had surgery over the offseason to repair a fractured hamate bone in his right hand, fouled a ball off during a second-inning plate appearance before dropping the bat and immediately grabbing his wrist in pain.

George Valera just fouled a ball back and immediately dropped his bat and grabbed his hand/wrist in pain. He was removed from the game.

— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) February 28, 2023

This development is worrying, considering his previous injury history with the wrist, and it's not yet clear how long Valera may be sidelined.

There should be an update on his condition in the coming days, but for now, it's a setback for the 22-year-old outfielder.

Valera is the Guardian's second-ranked prospect.

Last season, he posted a .250/.353/.463 triple-slash line, with 24 home runs, 82 RBIs, two stolen bases and 89 runs scored over 132 games played. Photo Credit: Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK