The initial plan, at least earlier this week, was for Jakob Junis to make one last rehab start for the Sacramento River Cats on Saturday. The Giants rotation’s leader in ERA is still not built up to a starter’s workload after suffering a left hamstring strain earlier this year.
Wearing a white headband with the nickname “Junk” on the side, Jakob Junis explained that there has been a change of plans. Even just his presence in the Giants’ clubhouse made that clear.
Junis would be activated for Saturday’s late-afternoon game, he said. He’ll enter in relief after Alex Cobb’s start, he said. He’s built up to 50-60 pitches and has felt strong since going down to Arizona for his rehab appearances.
“Everything’s good, feels good,” Junis said. “Ready to go.”
Both Junis and infielder Evan Longoria will factor in to Saturday’s game. Longoria, who stayed on the IL for the minimum amount of time with a left oblique strain, is starting at third base and hitting cleanup against lefty starter Eric Lauer.
Longoria made two rehab appearances, playing five innings at the hot corner on Friday night for Sacramento. He went 3-for-6 with a double in the two games.
On the season, Longoria has played in 44 games while dealing with multiple injuries. But when healthy, he’s been productive; the 15-year veteran has eight home runs and a .242 batting average.
Junis, meanwhile, could start or come out of the bullpen after the All-Star break, manager Gabe Kapler said. It’s a luxury to have that option, and as long as Junis remains healthy, he should provide some flexibility.
For a Grade 2 hamstring strain, this was just about the best case scenario. Junis only missed roughly one month with the injury.
The past few games have been taxing on the bullpen, which has had to cover Junis’ spot in the rotation for multiple weeks. Its depth will also be tested now that Mauricio Llovera is hitting the 15-day IL with a Grade 2 flexor strain.
Llovera exited Friday night’s epic game early. He has a 4.41 ERA in 16.1 innings this season.