SF Giants activate one top slugger, but place another on IL
The SF Giants activated outfielder Mike Yastrzemski from the injured list on Monday. However, just as they welcome back one of their best left-handed sluggers to the lineup, they lost another. In a corresponding move, the Giants placed designated hitter Joc Pederson on the 10-day injured list with a right-hand contusion. Pederson was hit on the hand by right-handed pitcher Scott McGough while squaring to bunt during Friday's game against the Diamondbacks.
Yastrzemski had been on the injured list with a hamstring strain since May 1st. Yaz had been dealing with tightness in his leg and felt his hamstring pull, charging in on a bloop hit during a game in Mexico City. Prior to the injury, Yastrzemski had easily been the Giants best outfielder, hitting .292/.333/.521 with seven doubles and five home runs in 25 games alongside above-average defense in center field.
Pederson, who was the Giants lone offensive All-Star in 2022, returns to the injured list for the second time this season. Pederson dealt with wrist inflammation in April that sidelined him for a couple of weeks. With that said, when he's been in the lineup, Pederson has remained one of the team's most productive hitters. In 97 plate appearances this season, Pederson has posted a .235/.351/.494 triple-slash with five home runs.
The SF Giants would obviously prefer having both Mike Yastrzemski and Joc Pederson available, but Yaz's added defensive versatility should put manager Gabe Kapler in a preferable situation compared to the reverse. Pederson's injury opens the door for Wilmer Flores, J.D. Davis, Brandon Crawford, or Casey Schmitt (Giants #3 prospect) to receive some more playing time at designated hitter.
