SF Giants latest injury updates on Thairo Estrada, Joc Pederson, more
During his pregame media availability on Tuesday, SF Giants manager Gabe Kapler gave updates on the rehab progress of several players currently on the injured list. Kapler was asked directly about infielder Thairo Estrada, who is first eligible to be activated on June 5th. Estrada was placed on the injured list with a left wrist sprain. Kapler was tepid in his discussion of Estrada's progress but did say he remains on track to be activated when he is first eligible.
SF Giant DH Joc Pederson slides into home to score against the Mets (2023)
Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
"Joc swung, hit off the tee today," Kapler said about designated hitter Joc Pederson, who has been out since the second week of May with a right-hand contusion. "That went well. He's progressing nicely. I think you may have seen him running curves a little bit earlier. He looks great running."
"Joey is progressing nicely as well," Kapler said in reference to catcher Joey Bart, who has been on the injured list with a groin strain since May 19th. "He ran bases near 100%. He'll run bases again tomorrow. He'll have more of a rehab day on Thursday, and there's a possibility that he goes on a rehab assignment for us this weekend."
Kapler did not give any updates on right-handed pitcher Ross Stripling, but the veteran was playing catch and pitching from his motion on the outfield grass at Oracle Park on Tuesday afternoon prior to the game.
When healthy Estrada has arguably been the SF Giants best position player on the team. The former Yankees infielder is hitting .301/.345/.466 with 12 doubles, a triple, six home runs, and a team-leading 13 stolen bases. While he has also played shortstop and left field, he had solidified himself as the team's everyday second baseman prior to hitting the IL.
Pederson is one of the best hitters on the Giants roster against right-handed pitching. The designated hitter received his second career All-Star selection last season, his first with the Giants. So far this season, Pederson had picked up where he left off, posting a .235/.351/.494 triple-slash with four doubles, a triple, and five home runs.
Unlike Estrada and Pederson, Bart has struggled at the plate this season. While the former second-overall pick significantly cut his strikeout rate to a career-best 25.0%, he has struggled to generate any power at the plate. His .231/.286/.295 line left a lot to be desired. With that said, he has continued improving defensively behind the plate.
Stripling, who signed a two-year, $25 million contract with the Giants this offseason, has had an abysmal start to his 2023 season on the field. The veteran righty lost his spot in the rotation after a bad finish to spring training and rough regular-season debut. He has a 7.24 ERA in nine appearances (five starts) with just 26 strikeouts in 32.1 innings pitched this season.
