SF Giants’ latest injury likely to further test team’s outfield depth

SAN FRANCISCO – The Giants were already without Mike Yastrzemski, LaMonte Wade Jr., and Steven Duggar.

Now Joc Pederson’s availability is in question, and suddenly the Giants could have a shortage of left-handed-hitting outfielders right before they take on a Washington Nationals starting staff this weekend that’ll be heavy on right-handers.

Pederson will have an MRI today to determine the severity of a groin injury that occurred as he ran toward second base in the third inning of the Giants’ 1-0 loss to the A’s on Wednesday night.

Pederson pulled up and felt tightness as he got out of the way of an Elvis Andrus throw to first base, completing a 3-6-1 double play that ended a bases-loaded threat. The loss snapped the Giants’ five-game win streak, as it will enter Friday’s series-opener with the visiting Nationals at 13-6.

After the game, manager Gabe Kapler wouldn’t rule out the injured list for Pederson, who already has six home runs with a .745 OPS.

Pederson doesn’t want to have to miss any games, of course, especially next week’s two-game set with Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium early next week. But everyone also has to determine what’s best in the long run.

“Those games are always more fun,” Pederson said of the pending Dodgers series. “I think you’ve got to look at the bigger picture. You see our team and it’s a playoff-caliber, World Series caliber team and the (goal) is to be ready in the playoffs.

“So just be cautious on that front and proactive at the same time with this great medical staff here.”

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 27: San Francisco Giants’ Joc Pederson (23) injuries himself while running to second base after being forced out on a double play in the third inning of their MLB game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group) 

Kapler was asked if there was a chance Wade could return to the Giants perhaps sooner than first anticipated. Wade is rehabbing a knee injury in Sacramento and as a designated hitter Wednesday went 1-for-4 in the leadoff spot.

The Giants wanted Wade to spend some time at first base and play complete games on back-to-back days before bringing him back to San Francisco, perhaps in time for Tuesday’s game in Los Angeles.

Kapler said before Wednesday’s game that “sometimes necessity changes timelines,” but reiterated that the club doesn’t want to do anything to jeopardize Wade’s progress.

“We want him to be built up healthy and strong,” Kapler said of Wade, who had a .808 OPS in 109 games with the Giants last season.

“We want to be always taking the long view with these things. Obviously, if Joc needs a few days, it’d be nice to have LaMonte back sooner rather than later, but we’re not going to rush him or put him at risk.”

Luis González, the last remaining left-handed hitting outfielder on the 25-man roster, could also see more time if Pederson has to sit for a few days or more. González moved to right field and Austin Slater was inserted into centerfield after Pederson came out of the game.

Heliot Ramos is another possibility and Yastrzemski (COVID-19) could begin PCR testing Friday, but Duggar remains out with a left oblique strain. Second baseman Tommy La Stella (Achilles inflammation) and third baseman Evan Longoria (finger) could begin rehab assignments next week or shortly thereafter.

“Next man up,” Giants catcher Curt Casali said. “That’s kind of how our organization has worked the past few years, and it’s worked really well.”

The Giants have other ways of overcoming Pederson’s potential absence.

Perhaps overlooked Wednesday was the performance of the Giants’ bullpen, which threw eight shutout innings after Sam Long allowed a solo home run to Chad Pinder to lead off the game. Five of those innings came from Jakob Junis, who struck out six.

The Giants’ team ERA of 2.32 and WHIP of 1.09 were second- and third-best in MLB, respectively, before Thursday’s games. Alex Wood (2-0, 2.51 ERA) and Logan Webb (2-1, 2.96) will pitch the first two games of the Nationals series against righties Aaron Sanchez and Joan Adon, respectively.

“I think we’re going to ride our pitchers,” Casali said. “They’re continually a strength of our team and they’re not giving up very many runs. So they’re making our job a little bit easier.”