SF Giants OF Mike Yastrzemski leaves game with left hamstring tightness
Another key SF Giants contributor appeared to suffer an injury during Wednesday night's game against the San Diego Padres. Outfielder Mike Yastrzemski was running the bases on an RBI single by J.D. Davis amidst a four-run fifth inning by the Giants. However, as he approached third base, Yaz pulled up and immediately reached for the back of his leg.
After a brief conversation with Giants trainers and manager Gabe Kapler, Yastrzemski was removed from the game and replaced by Austin Slater. The Giants later said that he was removed from the game with "left hamstring tightness." Kapler said he will undergo a scan on Thursday morning.
SF Giants OF Mike Yastrzemski (left) gets a fist bump from Roberto Pérez. (2023)
D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
Yastrzemski has already been on the injured list once this season with a left hamstring strain. After missing two weeks of action, Yastrzemski did not go on a minor-league rehab assignment and struggled upon his return. After going 0-for-22 in his first five games back, though, Yastrzemski rebounded. Entering play on Wednesday, Yaz had an above-average .258/.324/.485 triple-slash with 12 doubles, a triple, and 10 home runs in 54 games.
The Giants already lost one starting outfielder earlier this month when Mitch Haniger suffered a fractured forearm. If Yastrzemski is forced to miss an extended period, the Giants will likely lean more on Austin Slater and Blake Sabol (Giants preseason #33 prospect) in the outfield next to everyday starters Luis Matos (Giants preseason #4 prospect) and Michael Conforto.
The only remaining healthy outfielders on the Giants 40-man roster not already on the MLB roster are Bryce Johnson and Brett Wisely (Giants preseason #22 prospect).
While Wisely has struggled offensively this season in his big-league stints, hitting .195/.230/.317, he has been an excellent defensive center fielder. Moreover, he has remained productive at Triple-A (.306/.454/.506 line in 112 plate appearances).
Johnson is one of the best defenders and baserunners in the organization but has also struggled to hit in the majors. He is a career .155/.227/.275 hitter in 63 MLB plate appearances but has a .313/.397/.516 line at Triple-A this season.
The SF Giants are in the middle of their hottest stretch of the season, but the injuries are continuing to pile up. The team will hope outfielder Mike Yastrzemski only suffered a minor issue that will not require a stint on the injured list.
