The San Francisco Giants’ injury woes continue to mount.
On May 17, the Giants announced that center fielder Jung Hoo Lee would miss the remainder of the season due to a dislocated left shoulder. Lee sustained the injury on May 12 when he collided with the center-field fence at Oracle Park while attempting to catch a drive by the Cincinnati Reds’ Jeimer Candelario. Initially placed on the 10-day injured list on May 13, Lee is expected to undergo surgery within the next few weeks.
Lee, who signed a six-year, $113-million contract with the Giants as a free agent during the offseason, had previously been a standout in the Korean Baseball Organization. In 37 games this season, he was hitting .262 with two home runs and two stolen bases, although he had a defensive run saved of minus-1. Despite his average stats, the Giants were optimistic that his performance would improve as he adjusted to the major leagues.
The Giants’ injury list has grown to include 11 players, exacerbating their struggles this season. Notable names on the injured list include top catchers Patrick Bailey (concussion) and Tom Murphy (knee), shortstop Nick Ahmed (wrist), right fielder Michael Conforto (hamstring), and outfielder Austin Slater (concussion). Additionally, five starting pitchers are sidelined: Robbie Ray (Tommy John surgery), Blake Snell (groin), Tristan Beck (upper arm vascular surgery), Alex Cobb (groin), and Keaton Winn (forearm), with Winn being added to the list on May 17.
Unsurprisingly, these injuries have significantly impacted the Giants’ performance. As of May 17, they held a 20-25 record, placing them fourth in the National League West, 8 ½ games behind the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers. The Giants recently lost two of three games to the Dodgers from May 13-15 in Los Angeles, just after Lee’s injury.
Lee, Murphy, Ahmed, Snell, and Cobb were all part of the Giants’ extensive offseason free-agent acquisitions, alongside right-hander Jordan Hicks, third baseman Matt Chapman, and designated hitter Jorge Soler. Hicks has performed well with a 3-1 record and a 2.44 ERA in nine starts since transitioning from relief pitching. However, Chapman has struggled, batting just .206/.258/.341 with five home runs in 44 games, while Soler, who recently returned from the IL on May 17 after a shoulder injury, is hitting .202/.294/.361 with five homers in 34 games.
In the wake of Lee’s injury, the Giants are relying on Luis Matos to fill the void in center field. Matos was called up from Triple-A Sacramento when Lee was placed on the IL and has started the subsequent three games, going 4 for 12 with one home run and five RBIs. The 22-year-old made his major league debut last season, posting a .250/.319/.342 line with two homers and three steals in 76 games, though his defensive struggles were noted with a minus-10 defensive runs saved. This shortfall contributed to the Giants’ decision to prioritize signing a center fielder like Lee during the offseason.
The Giants hope Matos can continue to perform well until their injured outfielders return to the active roster.
