Keith Hernandez will have a surgical operation on his back later next week, according to his twitter account on Saturday and the New York Post.
The surgery, which is to repair a ruptured disc, will hopefully end nearly 30 years of back pain for Hernandez, who said that he’s endured nagging back issues since the end of his playing career.
The biggest question emerging from the report was whether or not he would be ready for the start of regular season broadcasts with SNY, which kick off on March 28 when the Mets open up the 2019 season at Nationals Park. Hernandez quelled any sense of doubt, however, saying the recovery time would take up to four or five weeks, and that he would be ready to go.
The former All-Star first baseman is also very excited about the potential of the 2019 Mets, alluding to the aggressiveness of rookie GM Brodie Van Wagenen.
“From creating more depth in AAA, to all the acquisitions he’s made. Solid and economical as well. I’m so pleased he picked up veteran lefty, Justin Wilson”, Hernandez tweeted over the weekend.
He also believes the bullpen, which now includes the newly acquired Justin Wilson, along with Jeurys Familia, Edwin Diaz, Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo should be a strength of the team and a unit that can help alleviate pressure from the much anticipated and highly talented starting rotation, fronted by 2018 NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom.
Additionally, he seems to be satisfied with Brandon Nimmo and Juan Lagares in center field, and thinks the team is in solid position overall heading into the season.
It’s encouraging to see optimism from the most charismatic man in the Mets’ TV booth. Let’s hope it translates into regular season success!
