Jakob Junis has earned a real spot in the Giants’ rotation and the confidence of the club’s coaching staff. And on Friday, he checked off a crucial box when he suppressed a Dodgers offense for five solid innings.
But then Junis suffered an apparent non-contact leg injury. On his 92nd pitch of the night, Junis landed awkwardly on his left leg and collapsed to the ground. He limped off the field with trainers, ending his night.
Junis had posted a 2.51 ERA in eight starts before the series-opener with the Dodgers. In his first career start against LAD, Junis allowed two runs in five innings. He threw 64 of his 92 pitches for strikes, fanned five and walked one.
The Giants already currently have two starters — Alex Cobb and Anthony DeSclafani — on the injured list. The second game of the Dodgers series, on Saturday, is projected to be a bullpen game.
There’s optimism that Cobb can return from the IL when he’s eligible on June 19. DeSclafani is set to make his first rehab start on Saturday and appears on track to return on June 21.
John Brebbia relieved Junis with no outs in the sixth inning. The Giants led 6-2 at the time of Junis’ exit.