SAN FRANCISCO — Just when it seemed like the Giants’ season couldn’t get any worse, they faced another setback.
Luis Arraez, one of the few standout players and a key trade asset for San Francisco, fouled a ball off his foot during Tuesday night’s game against the Athletics, forcing him to exit early.
On a brighter note, it seems Arraez dodged a serious injury. Manager Tony Vitello reported that it was just “a little sore.” After the Giants’ 3-1 victory, he stated the X-rays didn’t show anything alarming, and Arraez is expected to be fine.
“If I could play (Wednesday), I would,” Vitello said, adding he planned to meet with Arraez bright and early.
In his first at-bat against Aaron Civale, Arraez was wearing shin guards, but the ball’s unpredictable bounce likely knocked them out of position, leaving him in visible pain. The game was briefly halted while Vitello and the trainer checked on him.
“I think (JT) Realmuto took a hit in the same spot, right on the arch,” said Vitello. “He was tough, but it took him a few days to recover. I’m curious to see how the swelling looks in the morning.”
Initially, Arraez stayed in the game, even managing to fly out to left field. But he noticeably limped as he ran to first base. He played until the top of the fifth inning, even hitting a solid single in a lengthy at-bat. Casey Schmidt, previously starting in left field, took over his position at second base.
“He always wants to push through,” Vitello commented. “It was a tense moment, but he kept battling it out… until he couldn’t anymore.”
This injury comes at a precarious time, with the MLB trade deadline just around the corner. The Giants are clearly in sell mode, having fallen 15 games below .500. Given Arraez’s impressive two-way performance on a one-year contract, he’s become an attractive trade prospect.
Not only has this three-time batting champion reclaimed his status as one of the league’s top hitters, but he has also made remarkable improvements defensively at second base.
These traits could entice a team to offer a significant package of prospects to acquire him for the remainder of the season. With the Giants’ other trade candidates facing hefty contracts and lackluster performances, Arraez might yield a better return than players like Matt Chapman, Willie Adames, and Rafael Devers.
Had the X-rays shown something serious, the Giants would have missed a crucial opportunity to capitalize.
