Wilson Ramos to undergo hamate surgery, miss 4-8 weeks

Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos is likely to undergo hamate bone surgery on his left hand tomorrow, according to a report from James Wagner and Wilson Ramos of the Washington Post. Ramos, who left Monday's season opener with a hand injury, will likely be out for 4-8 weeks and may have trouble regaining his power once he returns from the disabled list.

In Ramos' absence, the Nationals will rely on new acquisition Jose Lobaton to handle most of the work behind the plate, and will likely call up either Sandy Leon or Jhonathan Solano. They could also turn to the trade market and try to acquire someone like Francisco Cervelli of the Yankees or Ryan Lavarnway of the Red Sox, or look at free agents Yorvit Torrealba, Kelly Shoppach or Ramon Hernandez. Because Ramos is such a key part of the team's lineup, it is likely that they will at least take a look at external options to replace his power.

Ramos, 26, appeared in only 78 games last season due to hamstring issues, hitting .272 with 16 HR and 59 RBI after rehabbing from a torn ACL suffered in 2012. His five-year major league career has been hampered by injuries, as he has only appeared in over 80 games in one season.