PHOENIX — The Giants lineup is already shorthanded from final season, with the losses of Buster Posey and Kris Bryant. And, on Monday afternoon, one in all its most impactful bats left exited the staff’s spring coaching sport after the primary inning, hobbling down the left-field foul line and struggling to make it up the steps to the clubhouse.
LaMonte Wade Jr. led off the Giants’ Cactus League sport in opposition to the Brewers by ripping a double off starter Corbin Burnes down the right-field line, then superior to 3rd on a groundout and scored on one other floor ball. When it was time for the underside half of the inning, Wade didn’t take his spot in left discipline and was noticed leaving the ballpark on the finish of the inning.
It was on his journey dwelling from third base that Wade felt ache in his left knee, supervisor Gabe Kapler stated afterward. He instantly left the stadium to move to the Giants’ amenities in Scottsdale, the place preliminary checks have been “promising” and Wade was in “much less ache than he was right here,” based on Kapler.
The severity of Wade’s damage remains to be unclear, with the Giants set to carry out extra exhaustive checks within the subsequent 24 hours. However with 11 days till the regular-season opener, even a minor ailment might put Wade’s standing for Opening Day into query.
If Wade isn’t prepared for Opening Day, that creates a gap in the course of the Giants lineup in opposition to right-handers, in addition to within the outfield.
Wade was one of many breakout stars of a surprisingly explosive Giants lineup final season, slugging a career-high 18 dwelling runs — and extra clutch photographs than anyone — as one in all 10 gamers with double-digit dingers. In 381 plate appearances, Wade batted .253/.326/.482 and drove in 56 runs, tied with Buster Posey for the fourth-most on the staff.
Simply this week, Kapler stated his beginning outfield in opposition to righties would have Wade in left discipline, Mike Yastrzemski in heart and Joc Pederson in proper.
Doubtlessly no one would profit extra from a left-handed hitting outfielder pressured to overlook time than Steven Duggar, who has an possibility remaining and after Kapler’s latest feedback seemed to be on the skin wanting in to make the roster out of camp.
With out Wade, that alignment might shift to place Pederson in left and Yastrzemski in proper, with Duggar roaming heart.