SAN FRANCISCO — Matt Chapman was held out of the Giants’ starting lineup for a second straight game due to a sore hamstring, but could make a return to the lineup on Tuesday.
“Better today,” said Giants manager Bob Melvin. “It was kind of a late decision today. … My expectation is that he’ll be good to go tomorrow.”
Melvin said he was unsure if Chapman, who leads the Giants in games played (64) and bWAR (2.6), would be available off the bench tonight. Casey Schmitt got the start in Chapman’s place on Monday after doing so on Sunday.
San Francisco remains one of the most banged up teams in baseball. Outfielder Michael Conforto and right-hander Keaton Winn have recently returned from the injured list, but the amount of Giants dealing with ailments remains extensive.
Outfielder Jung Hoo Lee is out for the season due to a dislocated left shoulder. First baseman LaMonte Wade Jr., one of the best hitters in baseball this season, is recovering from a hamstring strain. The list of players on the injured list also includes shortstops Nick Ahmed and Marco Luciano; catcher Tom Murphy; left-handers Blake Snell and Robbie Ray; and right-handers Alex Cobb, Tristan Beck and Austin Warren.
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“It’s pretty extreme. It has been,” Melvin said. “When we start to get guys back, we have a couple more guys getting injured. The Chapman thing wasn’t ideal, but it’s one of the reasons Casey’s still here.”
First baseman Wilmer Flores was not in Monday’s starting lineup either. Melvin said he is dealing with “a little bit of knee soreness” after playing back-to-back series at the Diamondbacks’ Chase Field and the Rangers’ Globe Life Field, both of which use turf instead of grass. Flores could be available off the bench, and Melvin expects him to be in the lineup tomorrow as well.
“It’s been a lot, but it gives some other guys some opportunities like Heliot (Ramos). Look what he’s done with it” Melvin said. “(Luis) Matos had quite a run. (Brett) Wisely at times has swung the bat well. Schmitt has swung the bat well. So, we’re getting to see some of our top prospects have some success here at the big leagues too, so that’s the exciting part.”
Additional injury updates
Wade took grounders today and will hit on the field on Tuesday, but per Melvin, Wade is still “a little ways away.” “He’s running, but it’s at like 50 percent,” Melvin said.
Ahmed (left wrist sprain) will begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday with Triple-A Sacramento. Ahmed played in a rehab game with Sacramento on June 1, but experienced a setback and has not appeared in a game since. Melvin said he is not sure how many games Ahmed will need before returning.
Cobb (right shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen on Tuesday.
Ray (left elbow UCL surgery recovery) is scheduled to throw a bullpen today, then pitch in an Arizona Complex League game on Thursday.
Snell (left groin strain) is throwing off flat ground. The plan is for him to progress to throwing off a mound later this week.
Lee will begin his rehab this week in San Francisco.
Warren (left elbow UCL surgery recovery) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Single-A San Jose on Wednesday.
Beck (vascular injury) is throwing out to 120 feet.