NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Mets infielder Wilmer Flores broke his left ankle last month when he was hit by a pitch playing winter ball in Venezuela.
Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said Tuesday at the winter meetings that Flores does not need surgery and is expected to be ready for spring training.
Flores was injured in his season debut with the Bravos de Margarita in his home country. He took several days off then returned to the lineup for three games before being shut down for the winter.
The Mets originally thought the injury a bruise but learned Tuesday it was a nondisplaced fracture.
Flores hit .263 with 16 homers and 59 RBIs in his first full season in the majors. He became a fan favorite at Citi Field after he was seen crying at his shortstop position when he thought he had been dealt to Milwaukee.
