The New York Mets are hoping to get back on track to make another World Series run, but they'll need a healthy Curtis Granderson in order to do so.
Granderson skipped today's spring training practice due to an "eye issue," but manager Terry Collins says the right fielder is going to be "fine." Although the Mets are unsure what's wrong with his eye, it's been said the team is worried it might be pinkeye due to the redness in the area.
Collins says if it happens to be pinkeye, Granderson will be kept away from the team for a few days to avoid infecting other teammates.
As a result, the veteran was asked to skip his normal drills for the day until more is known regarding the condition. He left the team's spring training camp to go see a doctor and at this point it's unknown what the deal is.
One thing we do know is that the team's outfield depth is already coming in handy. While many were suggesting outfielder Alejandro De Aza could be traded after the signing of Yoenis Cespedes, it appears as if De Aza's presence is already helping less than a week into spring training. The veteran is capable of playing all three outfield positions and is listed as Granderson's backup on the team's depth chart, so there's no shortage of replacements if one of the club's outfielders were to miss time.
At the same tine, while De Aza is a formidable fill in, the Mets will need Granderson healthy and ready to go for spring training to get him up to speed for MLB action. The 34-year-old hit .259/.364/.457 with 98 runs scored, 26 home runs, 70 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 157 games last season and finished 18th in the NL MVP voting. He added 10 runs scored, 3 home runs and 12 RBI in 14 postseason games en route to the Mets' World Series run.
Ever since changing New York teams, Granderson has played in 312 of the possible 324 regular season games. He's been a good veteran presence on a very young roster and the Mets hope he can return as soon as possible.
