Mets injury update: Juan Lagares has partially-torn ligament in left thumb

Mets outfielder Juan Lagares made has a partially-torn ligament in his left thumb but won't go on the disabled list just yet, as the team is hopeful that Lagares can play through the injury once swelling has subsided. That might sound absurd, but other players have played through the same injury.

Lagares has gotten off to a good start this year, as he's looked like his typical great self while playing defense in center field. He's also been better at the plate than he was last year. In 93 plate appearances, Lagares has hit .276/.315/.402 with two home runs and a 98 wRC+. That's not spectacular, but it's more in line with how he hit in 2014 than last year.

In the Mets' outfield right now, Lagares is very much a fourth outfielder. Though Michael Conforto has been struggling for a while, the team's regular outfield has consisted of Conforto in left, Yoenis Cespedes in center, and Curtis Granderson in right. Conforto hasn't played much against left-handed starting pitchers, which has been when Lagares has gotten his playing time.Lagares sustained the injury while making a great catch in center field over the weekend.