With one out in the top of the sixth inning, Kyle Isbel swiped second base. Catcher Roberto Pérez threw down to second late, and then gingerly walked straight to the dugout with manager Gabe Kapler and head trainer Dave Groeschner.
Pérez’s injury wasn’t immediately clear.
Blake Sabol, who was playing left field, replaced Pérez behind the dish. Wilmer Flores entered the game to play first base, with LaMonte Wade Jr. moving from first to left.
The Giants’ catching situation has been in flux since the start of spring, when the team announced that they’d stage a four-man competition for playing time between Pérez, Sabol, Joey Bart, and Austin Wynns. The first three made the Opening Day roster, and then San Francisco promptly signed former All-Star Gary Sánchez to a minor league deal, complicating the picture.
Bart is currently on the 10-day injured list with a mild back strain; Kapler said Friday he’s likely to begin a rehab assignment soon.
Pérez, 34, started five of the Giants’ first seven games. The two-time Gold Glove winner has a sterling reputation as a defensive catcher — which could be more valuable than ever with a record amount of stealing — but has dealt with injury issues.
Pérez played 65 games over the past two seasons. Since 2020, he’s dealt with shoulder, hamstring and finger injuries that he’s described as fluky.
If Pérez is forced to miss time, the Giants may need to recall Wynns or Sánchez — if the latter is ready — for depth on the 26-man roster. Sabol, a Rule 5 pick who converted from outfield in the past two years, is the only catcher remaining for Friday’s game.