Cincinnati Reds outfielder Billy Hamilton has stolen his last base of the 2015 season thanks to a shoulder injury that will require surgery.
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Hamilton Done for the Season
Monday, Sept. 21
Hamilton has missed the past six starts after injuring his shoulder, and general manager Walt Jocketty provided some clarity to the prognosis Monday. Jocketty said, per C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer, “There’s no structural damage, but we think this will help and be 100 percent and ready to go before spring training.”
The Reds will need Hamilton at full strength next year because of his unique speed. He leads the majors with 57 stolen bases, which is an impressive follow-up effort to his 56 stolen bases from a year ago.
What’s more, Hamilton has been more efficient on the bases in 2015 with extra experience under his belt. Opposing catchers threw him out just eight times this season compared to 23 times in 2014. He also sits fifth among all MLB players in defensive runs saved with 16.3, per FanGraphs.
While this is a difficult loss for the Reds, they are well out of contention in the loaded National League Central. Hamilton’s long-term health at the age of 25 is more important than playing out the string on a lost campaign, which is likely the main reason the team opted for surgery.
With that in mind, the most important news for a Cincinnati club that will strive to compete in 2016 after two disappointing years in a row is that there is no structural damage.
Hamilton’s absence will give Jason Bourgeois a chance to prove his worth as a replacement player. The outfielder is 33 years old—so the long-term upside is not there—but he has shown flashes of speed and is not far removed from a 2011 campaign that saw him hit .294 in 238 at-bats with 31 stolen bases for the Houston Astros.
Perhaps he could earn consideration for a spot in the outfield rotation next year with a solid showing.
While this is a golden opportunity for Bourgeois, Cincinnati’s main concern is getting Hamilton ready to go by Opening Day.
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