Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball Early Spring Injuries, Another Brewers-Red Sox Trade & Coaching Staff Changes
Feb 11, 2026
They cover a string of hamate injuries to top prospects and what those recoveries mean for spring training. They break down a surprising Brewers-Red Sox trade and how the pieces fit. They debate managerial and coaching changes, including the trend of first-base coaches running the team’s base-stealing strategy.
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Hamate Injuries And Recovery Realities
- Hamate fractures are common for hitters who grip the bat over the knob and often require removal surgery for quicker recovery.
- Recovery timelines vary and medical clearance doesn't equal full feel or immediate power return.
Player Perspective On Hamate Pain
- Jed Lowrie described gripping the bat over the knob and feeling immediate pain when his hamate acted up during swings.
- He knew within hours when the hamate was injured because gripping and swelling changed quickly.
Adjust Drafts For Hamate Surgery Risks
- Draft players with recent hamate surgery lower than usual because timing and lost spring ABs reduce upside early in the season.
- Prefer veterans over young players returning from hamate issues for draft safety.