Major League Baseball opened with an unusual number of players sidelined by fractures to the hamate, a small bone in the palm. Dallas orthopedic surgeon Dr. Thomas DiLiberti, who has treated dozens of these cases, explains why the injury has become more common and what it means for hitters.
The hamate sits on the ulnar side of the palm near the base of the small finger and has a hooked projection about a centimeter below and toward the wrist crease. Many hitters now place their hands farther down the bat—sometimes draping the small finger over the bat’s butt—so the bat’s knob can press directly over the hamate. When a swing produces unusual torque or impact, that knob can compress or shear off the hook portion of the bone, causing a fracture.
A broken hamate can impair grip and tendon function. Tendons for the ring and small fingers pass around that hooked projection, and when the hook is fractured those tendons can rub over the injured area. The result may be reduced grip strength or subtle changes in how a player holds and swings the bat. At the professional level, even small percentage changes in grip or swing can noticeably affect performance.
These fractures aren’t confined to major leaguers; strong, powerful high school and college hitters also sustain them. Spring training frequently brings a cluster of cases, and growing attention on social media has made parents and coaches more aware. When necessary, surgeons remove or repair the broken hook to restore function and get players back on the field.