While they haven’t completely ruled him out for the season, the Giants placed Brandon Belt on the 10-day injured list with a fractured left thumb.
X-rays revealed a fractured thumb after Belt was hit by a 93 mph fastball while trying to bunt on Sunday. When manager Gabe Kapler addressed reporters before Tuesday’s game, the first baseman was still meeting with team hand specialist Dr. Scott Hansen for another opinion.
The Athletic’s Andrew Baggarly reported that the prognosis is four weeks, but that’s how long it can take for the bone to heal. The IL move is retroactive to Sept. 27, making the absolute earliest possible return Oct. 7 — after the regular season finale.
“It’s appropriate to say it’s disappointing to not have Belt in the lineup and to not have his presence,” Kapler said.
Belt, 33, missed about eight weeks in 2014 with a fractured left thumb, but every injury is different. A “wide range of timetables,” have been discussed, Kapler said.
Belt has been San Francisco’s most powerful hitter and one of the best sluggers in all of baseball. Over the last two years, Belt’s .982 OPS trails only Juan Soto, Bryce Harper and Ronald Acuña Jr.
The first baseman’s contract expires at the end of this year. He’s said he’d love to come back, but if he can’t return this season, it’s possible last Sunday was his last game as a Giant.
Self-nicknamed “The Captain,” Belt has injected a swagger and confidence into the 2021 group. Since wearing an electrical taped “C” on his jersey in Chicago on Sept. 10, Belt has hit eight home runs in 14 games, adding to his career year.
Heading from San Diego to Denver, several Giants posed in front of the team jet with sailors caps behind Belt, the captain. Kevin Gausman, Dominic Leone, José Álvarez and Scott Kazmir brought them back out to left field while getting loose.
Kapler said he hasn’t heard of any surgery recommendations so far. Belt’s thumb isn’t in a cast, rather a black wrap that allows range of motion.
Kapler added that losing Belt “sucks,” but the team should quickly “turn the page.” Belt missed significant time earlier in the season with knee and oblique injuries, and LaMonte Wade Jr., Darin Ruf and Wilmer Flores combined to replicate his value. No position group in MLB has hit more home runs than Giants first basemen.
“Hate going over there in this type of situation,” Wade Jr. said. “You never want to see somebody go down, especially like Brandon. Brandon’s been great all year, not only on the field but off the field. He’s a great teammate and a great family guy.”
Wade Jr. said he feels comfortable at first. He added Belt has helped him learn that at first, you always have more time than you need so it’s crucial to stay calm and play at your own speed.
Before Tuesday’s series-opener against Arizona, Wade Jr. and Ruf rotated taking reps at first base with infield instructor Kai Correa helping them. Ruf is likely to return from the injured list (oblique) when he’s eligible on Sept. 30. Tommy La Stella and Kris Bryant have also played some first in the past.
“We have a fun little mix-and-match group,” Kapler said.
The Giants recalled Thairo Estrada from Triple-A in a corresponding move. Estrada’s versatility is valuable, as he can play both middle infield spots.
But SF will still be without “The Captain” for at least the remainder of the regular season.
“We know it’s a big loss but we just got to keep playing,” Wade Jr. said. “And hopefully we can keep playing long enough so he can come back.”
- Starter Johnny Cueto is progressing well while recovering from his right elbow injury. “I think he’s very close to an activation if that makes the most sense for the club,” he added. Cueto recently threw a bullpen session that “ended with a little bit of thunder,” Kapler said.
- Catcher Joey Bart is still with the team in San Francisco, rehabbing from a concussion. The Giants like having him as an emergency option at catcher.
- SF doesn’t want to rush closer Jake McGee (oblique) back. The nature of oblique injuries is that if players are rushed back while still sore, they’re not as effective. Still, the Giants want McGee back as soon as possible for the pennant race. He’s scheduled to throw a bullpen Wednesday.
- Every single position player in the Diamondbacks’ starting lineup Tuesday hits left-handed. SF starter Logan Webb, a righty, won’t have an inherent advantage versus any of them.