SF Giants OF Mike Yastrzemski leaves game with left hamstring tightness
The SF Giants removed outfielder Mike Yastrzemski from Sunday's game against the Boston Red Sox with an injury. Yastrzemski pinch-hit for right-handed hitting Austin Slater in the bottom of the third inning, doubled, and entered defensively in right field. However, Joc Pederson took his place in the lineup, taking over in left field, in the top of the fifth inning. Per the team, Yastrzemski was removed with left hamstring tightness.
Yastrzemski has dealt with hamstring issues throughout the season and has already had two stints on the injured list with left hamstring strains. Given that history, the team's medical staff is likely even more cautious when any issues arise. If he will need another prolonged absence, the Giants would presumably call upon Bryce Johnson or Luis González to fill his spot on the roster. Johnson has been incredibly productive this season at Triple-A, but González is currently on a minor-league rehab assignment and is out of minor-league options.
Yastrzemski has had one of the most up-and-down seasons on the Giants this season. Yastrzemski has dealt with multiple brutal offensive slumps but has also been the best hitter on the Giants for prolonged stretches as well. On the season, Yastrzemski is hitting .233/.314/.439 with 17 doubles and 11 home runs in 285 plate appearances.
Of course, the MLB trade deadline is also right on the horizon. But the Chicago Cubs have reportedly taken outfielder Cody Bellinger off the trade market, removing the most obvious potential target to fill Yastrzemski's shoes. Given the number of outfielders in the organization, prospects Brett Wisely and Heliot Ramos are also at Triple-A and already on the 40-man roster, it seems most likely that the SF Giants would address any Mike Yastrzemski injury internally.
