Baseball The cavalry is coming: Michael Conforto to return earlier than expected For the first time since August 2017, Michael Conforto will be back in the lineup for The Amazins by Daniel Yanofsky April 5, 2018 It goes without saying that the Mets have had a bad history when it comes to injuries. Some say they are even cursed. There is a rare moment however when something does go right. That is the case with superstar Michael Conforto. Manager Mickey Callaway announced that Conforto will be joining the Mets today, April 5. He comes back to a 4-1 team as they start their series against the Nationals. What makes this news special: Conforto wasn’t expected back until May 1. It wasn’t that long ago that Michael Conforto’s season tragically ended when he separated his shoulder in a game against the Diamondbacks. As a result, he missed the remaining 30+ games left in the season. Conforto decided to get surgery, hoping to get the process over with. After months of healing, seven to be exact, Conforto appears to be ready to contribute to the team. Phillip Evans, the Mets’ potential hidden weapon, will be sent down to Triple-A to make room for him. Before the injury, Conforto was hitting .279 in 109 games with 27 home runs and 68 RBI. After impressing in his limited time in Spring Training, Conforto has convinced the Mets brass that he is ready to go. He rejoins a loaded outfield that includes surprise star Brandon Nimmo. The 25-year old is expected to take back the centerfield position. At this moment, Jay Bruce and company have no desire to test out first base. As a result, Nimmo will play off the bench, a role Conforto was familiar with last season. Considering Nimmo will get a considerable amount of playing time, Juan Lagares appears to be the odd man out. He will get time off the bench for sure, but will most likely stick to being a defensive replacement at several points in games. If the former All-Star is able to provide a spark the Mets need, even this early in the season, the team might be able to have en epic first half. Conforto can make his return to the leadoff position, allowing coach Callaway to continue to utilize his interesting lineup options. If you told Mets fans three months ago that Michael Conforto would make a quick recovery, they would have laughed all the way to McFadden’s. Now, the impossible will become a reality, and Conforto will be ready to enjoy the ride, along with those same fans. Post Views: 1,766 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Daniel Yanofsky Baseball Editor, Misc. Sports Editor. Covers all things combat sports (MMA, Pro Wrestling and Boxing). When he's not writing, Daniel hosts a podcast, The Main Event. Latest posts by Daniel Yanofsky (see all) Mets hire Luis Rojas to replace Carlos Beltran as manager - January 23, 2020 An Outsider’s 2020 Hall of Fame Ballot - January 21, 2020 A Wild Yo Sighting: Yoenis Cespedes participates in running, fielding and hitting drills - January 21, 2020 Following Conor McGregor’s win at UFC 246, is “The King” truly back? - January 20, 2020 Related TopicsBaseballMichael ConfortoMLBNew York Mets Click to comment You must be logged in to post a comment Login Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 Women in Sports: Podcast Host, New York Riptide Sideline Reporter, Dani Wexelman by Luke Porco | posted on March 3, 2020 From Paramus High School to CBS Sports, Spero Dedes is making waves in sports broadcasting by Sunil Sunder Raj | posted on October 27, 2020 Lochte, Dressel and Ledecky all Chasing Gold at 2021 Tokyo Olympics by Anthony Paradiso | posted on April 18, 2021 You Know I’m Right, Episode 109: The Athletic’s Marc Carig (Audio/Video) by Nicholas Durst | posted on April 19, 2021 More in Baseball You Know I’m Right, Episode 112: New York Jets’ Insider Brian Costello (Audio/Video) On the 112th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 109: The Athletic’s Marc Carig (Audio/Video) On the 109th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 108: WFAN’s Sweeny Murti (Audio/Video) On the 108th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 107: New York Post’s Columnist Mike Vaccaro (Audio/Video) On the 107th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... Hartford Yard Goats 2018 Opening Day Roster Announced An ode to Sir Didi