The latest from the desert.
The San Francisco Giants got back in action earlier this month, and started their preseason this weekend (and started it quite well, I might add). And one delightful theme that’s already emerged for the team in Spring Training is good health relative to most of the teams in the league.
But no team is fully healthy, and the Giants are no exception. While they’re currently devoid of any players on the 40-man roster battling serious, long-term ailments, they do have their fair share of dings and bruises. On Sunday the team offered up a few updates on those players and, thanks to the diligent work of the excellent beat reporters covering the team, we now have a little more context.
Starting left fielder Heliot Ramos, who made waves in the first days of camp with a massive batting practice home run off of Hall of Fame-bound Justin Verlander, is currently dealing with a mild oblique strain, and will likely be out for about a week. The injury is not considered serious, but as NBC Sports Bay Area’s Alex Pavlovic notes, the Giants can afford to be extra cautious with Ramos since his role on the team is already solidified.
Speaking of players who had breakout 2024s that resulted in secure spots entering camp, we haven’t seen anything from second baseman Tyler Fitzgerald yet. He’s been sidelined for pretty much all of camp with a minor back injury, but is apparently recovering well. Fitzgerald, who should be the everyday second baseman and is unlikely to move around to other positions this year, is expected to play in some Cactus League games this week.
Erik Miller’s health is very important, as he’s the only left-handed reliever on the 40-man roster. He is dealing with some finger numbness that has set him back in camp, but is expected to throw a live bullpen on Monday.
On Saturday, Pavlovic revealed that catcher Tom Murphy is getting a second opinion on his injured oblique. Murphy, who will be the backup catcher if he’s healthy, has struggled with numerous injuries in recent years. He was injured early in camp, and it was initially described as a mild injury that would set him back for about a week. Now it’s looking like Murphy will be out for a handful of weeks at a minimum.
Bob Melvin also revealed on Saturday, when laying out the rotation for the next few days, that left-handed starting pitcher Kyle Harrison is a week behind schedule. It’s unclear what has led to that, but given that there’s been no reporting of any injury, it’s probably safe to assume it’s something very minor.