The San Francisco Giants dropped the second game of their home series against the New York Mets on Friday night, falling 10-3 at Oracle Park. Tyler Mahle struggled on the mound and the offense managed just three runs. It was a rough night across the board.
And then came the news on José Butto.
What began as a concerning outing on Wednesday ended Friday with a diagnosis that puts his entire season in question.
Butto Diagnosed With Blood Clot in Right Arm
GettyJose Butto of the San Francisco Giants.
Butto’s velocity was noticeably down during Wednesday’s appearance. He informed the training staff of arm discomfort and was pulled from the game. The Giants placed him on the injured list Thursday, citing right forearm fatigue. A day later, the situation became significantly more serious.
After a visit with Dr. Jason Lee, a vascular surgeon at Stanford Medical Center, Butto was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right arm. He will undergo a procedure to remove it.
Manager Tony Vitello addressed the diagnosis with reporters before Friday’s game.
“Everybody’s concern immediately is going to be with someone’s health,” Vitello said. “But he’s a very, very, very well-liked and well-respected guy. So everyone was concerned right away.”
The timeline for his return remains unclear. Vitello acknowledged the situation could mean a decent layoff or an extended one, with more information expected from the organization on Saturday. What is clear is that Butto will not be available anytime soon.
A Familiar Situation for San Francisco
This is not the first time the Giants have navigated this kind of diagnosis. In the spring of 2024, right-hander Tristan Beck underwent a procedure with the same surgeon to remove an aneurysm from his right arm. Beck missed most of that season.
Vitello also noted that Butto has dealt with circulation issues previously, including during his time with the New York Mets. The history adds context to what unfolded this week, but it does not make the timing any easier for a Giants rotation already navigating a demanding early schedule.
The 28-year-old will presumably spend significantly more time on the injured list than the 15-day minimum he was placed on Thursday. How much more remains the central question.
What It Means for the Giants
GettyManager Tony Vitello of the San Francisco Giants.
San Francisco is still finding its footing early in the season, and losing Butto for an extended stretch puts real pressure on the rest of the rotation. Mahle took the mound Friday against the Mets with Patrick Bailey behind the plate.
Meanwhile, the attention around the Giants this week has not been entirely negative. Susac’s debut turned heads for good reason. According to OptaStats, he became the first catcher to record three or more hits and a walk in his first career start since Mike Piazza in 1992. He also became the first Giant to reach base four times without making an out across his first two games since Brian Dallimore in 2004.
Vitello noted his bat speed stood out even before Opening Day.
“He’s got a little bit of pop in there that I think everybody saw in spring training,” Vitello said. “The ball comes off a little hotter than you’d even expect, because he doesn’t take an overly big swing.”
The emergence of Susac is a genuine bright spot. The Butto situation is a genuine concern. Both are defining the Giants’ early weeks.
Final Word for the Giants
Blood clot diagnoses carry weight beyond baseball. The health of the player comes first, and by that measure, Friday’s news that the procedure is underway is a step in the right direction.
On the field, the Giants now face an extended run without one of their pitchers at a time when every arm matters. The rotation will need to adjust.
Saturday will bring more clarity on Butto’s timeline. The Giants will be hoping for the best possible news.
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