The Giants blew a one-run lead in a 6-4 loss to the Padres on Sunday, and likely lost even more than a single game in the standings.
Mike Yastrzemski exited the contest in the eighth inning with a left hamstring strain, manager Gabe Kapler told reporters postgame. Yastrzemski suffered the injury while trying to make a heroic diving play on a fly ball in shallow center field.
“Happened early, so like before he was able to go get the ball,” Kapler said. “I think that’s the reason he wasn’t able to get to that baseball.”
Yastrzemski limped off the Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú stadium with a trainer after peeling himself from the outfield turf. The ball that dropped just out of his reach broke open a 4-4 tie game with two runs.
“I really think if Yaz is healthy on that play, all the way through the play, I think he records that out,” Kapler said.
According to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Alex Pavlovic, Yastrzemski said he felt his hamstring pop on the second step.
Earlier in the game, Yastrzemski crashed into the center field wall while trying to make a grab on a Nelson Cruz drive that resulted in a triple. Yastrzemski appeared shaken up, but remained in the game then.
Including his 2-for-4 performance Sunday, Yastrzemski is slashing .292./.333/.521 on the season. He’s had success at the plate even against left-handed pitching, something he’s struggled with over the past two seasons.
Yastrzemski has five home runs, 14 RBI and 16 runs scored.
Depending on the severity of Yastrzemski’s strain, the center fielder could be out a few days or multiple months. If Yastrzemski has to hit the injured list, the Giants’ center field depth will be tested.
Austin Slater is back on the roster and already crushing left-handed pitching, but elbow tenderness delayed his return from the injured list and could make him a defensive liability. Brett Wisely, a utility player, filled in for Yastrzemski in center for the rest of the eighth inning against the Padres. Bryce Johnson, a glove-first center fielder, is nearing a return from the concussion IL but may require a rehab assignment.