Matt Jones is the online sports director for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. A double graduate of the University of Arkansas, he is a member of the Football Writers Association of America and National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, and voter for the Heisman Trophy.
Casey Martin requires surgery for broken hand


Arkansas shortstop Casey Martin is shown during a scrimmage against Oklahoma on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Fayetteville.
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas shortstop Casey Martin will be out for the rest of fall practice after breaking a bone in his hand.
Martin, a junior, broke the hamate bone in his left, nonthrowing hand while batting during practice late last month and had surgery to repair the injury Monday, a team spokesperson said. Martin is expected to be able to swing a bat again in 4-5 weeks.
The Razorbacks begin preseason practice in January and are scheduled to open the season Feb. 14.
The injury is the second this year for Martin, who nursed a shoulder injury while not playing competitively this summer. Martin batted .286 with 15 home runs and 57 RBI, and fielded .912 with an SEC-high 23 errors as a sophomore in his first season playing shortstop.
Martin is a top draft prospect in 2020. Baseball America recently projected him to be drafted sixth overall by the Seattle Mariners next year.
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