SF Giants’ outfielder who missed first half set to begin rehab assignment

After missing the first half of the season, Giants outfielder Luis González is nearing a return.

González, who underwent back surgery in spring training, began a rehab assignment Monday with their rookie-league affiliate in Arizona. An important milestone in a long road back, González was scheduled to serve as the designated hitter in his first game action since last season.

Rehab assignments for position players can last up to 20 days, aligning González’s potential return with the timeline shared by president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi during his midseason media availability.

González, who hit .251/.320/.357 as a rookie in 2022, “could be a factor for us in August,” Zaidi said.

The back injury, a chronic issue for the 27-year-old outfielder predating his time with the Giants, forced the native of Hermosillo, Mexico, to miss the club’s two-game series in his home country earlier this season.

The Giants are still waiting on the return of Mitch Haniger (forearm fracture), who is expected to be out until the start of September.

They have a decision to make regarding another outfielder whose rehab time is set to expire: Heliot Ramos must be activated Wednesday and re-added to the 40-man roster. He can either be added to the active MLB roster or optioned to Triple-A Sacramento. Ramos, 23, has hit safely in seven of his 10 rehab games with Sacramento, with four homers.

“We’ll probably face a 40-man crunch with those guys,” Zaidi said in regards to Ramos and González, both currently on the 60-day injured list.

Also …

— RHP Luke Jackson (low back strain) is also scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Monday in the Arizona Complex League. He is scheduled to throw one inning. … RHP Anthony DeSclafani (fatigue) is scheduled to be activated from the IL and start Tuesday.