The expectation is that Madrigal will undergo surgery on his fractured left shoulder, and that operation will keep the 27-year-old out of action. Assuming the operation goes well — and assuming he undergoes that operation, of course — he should battle for a utility spot in 2026.

Madrigal is out indefinitely after being diagnosed with a fractured left shoulder, which is he suffered during Sunday’s spring training contest against the Nationals when he slipped while charging a ground ball. There isn’t an official timetable for the 27-year-old reserve infielder’s return at the moment, but fantasy managers should anticipate him missing at least a few months, if not longer.

The imaging confirmed the worst for Madrigal, and the 27-year-old is expected to be out “a while” while he recovers. Madrigal was expected to battle for a utility spot with the Mets, and that job could go to someone like Jared Young while Madrigal recovers.

Madrigal left Sunday’s game against the Nationals in the first inning after he slipped while charging a ground ball that deflected off the pitcher. He’s scheduled to undergo further testing to confirm the severity of the injury. Madrigal might have the inside track on the Mets’ backup infielder job, but now that’s up in the air.