The Giants, though without Brandon Belt indefinitely, will likely bring multiple key players back from the injured list in the coming days.
Closer Jake McGee, slugger Darin Ruf and pitcher Johnny Cueto have all progressed well and are on track to return before the postseason, manager Gabe Kapler said. Each would be welcome additions to the Giants club inching towards its first division title since 2012.
McGee, who’s been on the injured list since Sept. 17 with an oblique strain, threw a bullpen session before Wednesday’s game.
Kapler has said the team doesn’t want to rush McGee back too quickly, specifically because of the nature of oblique injuries. A partially compromised McGee likely wouldn’t be nearly as effective as he’d be at 100%. Kapler added the time spent rehabbing could help him come back rested and even stronger than before.
As of now, Wednesday’s bullpen is the only scheduled ramp-up activity left for McGee. Kapler said if it’s an intense throwing session and McGee doesn’t experience any discomfort, he’ll likely get the day off Thursday before the coaching staff reassesses for the weekend.
Without McGee, who’s recorded 31 saves this year, the Giants have turned to a combination of Dominic Leone, Tony Watson and Tyler Rogers to handle the last three innings. Most recently, rookie Camilo Doval earned his first career save with his 13th straight scoreless appearance.
In another boost to the staff, Kapler said Cueto (right elbow) could be activated within a few days. His role will likely be out of the bullpen at this point.
Cueto, 35, has never come out of the bullpen in his 14-year MLB career. But he’s likely not ramped up enough to pitch deep into the game as a starter, and SF likes his experience and ability to throw strikes.
And to alleviate some of the void Belt’s injury creates, Ruf is set to return Thursday, when he becomes eligible off the 10-day IL. He’s taken pregame reps at first base Tuesday and Wednesday. A combination of him, LaMonte Wade Jr. and Wilmer Flores at first could combine to make up much of Belt’s productivity.
Ruf has been one of the Giants’ best hitters all season. His .899 OPS is third-highest on the club, behind only Belt and Brandon Crawford. Ruf can also play either of the corner outfield positions.
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- About half the time wore t-shirts with a Brandon Belt-inspired C on the chest and “Daddy” on the back while warming up. Logan Webb, Kevin Gausman, Tyler Rogers, Steven Duggar, Flores and Wade Jr. were among the Giants donning the freshly printed shirseys.
“I love the support that everybody’s showing Brandon,” Kapler said of Belt, who is with the team. “It really shows you how much he means to our players and our team in general. I do think having him around as much as possible and encouraging him to bring his brand of humor is really good for us.” - Third-string catcher Joey Bart has cleared concussion protocols and is with the team. He’s been working with bullpen and catching coach Craig Albernaz. The Giants like having him around as a break-in-case-of-emergency option.
- Kapler said both Doval, 24, and rookie Kervin Castro, 22, have earned trust as high-leverage relief options. Neither played above Class-A ball before this season, but now each find themselves in the middle of a pennant race. Castro hasn’t allowed a big league run in 10 innings. Doval’s 100+ mph fastball and slider that comes in 15mph slower has been virtually unhittable in September.
- Kapler expects Tommy La Stella to be available off the bench Wednesday. The second baseman left the series-opener late due to Achilles discomfort. Alex Dickerson and Thairo Estrada, who also suffered injuries in the game, are both doing fine.