George ValeraOF | Guardians

George Valera Recovering From Hand SurgeryJanuary 26, 2023 | 11:23 AM

Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect George Valera (hand) is recovering from surgery on his right hand due to a broken hamate bone. The team's top position-player prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, had a similar surgery in 2018. He has been taking dry swings but is expected to be a bit behind the rest of the team's position players in spring training. Valera hit .250 with 25 doubles, 24 home runs and 84 RBI at Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus in 2022 while also striking out 145 times and walking 74 times. It typically takes around six to eight weeks to recover from hamate surgery, so it's likely that Valera will begin the year at Triple-A. However, he's a good bet to make his MLB debut at some point in 2023 if he can stay healthy.