The Giants have positioned third baseman Evan Longoria on the 10-day injured listing on account of a left indirect pressure, the membership introduced. Catcher Joey Bart was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento to take his place on the energetic roster.
Longoria lands on the shelf for the second time this 12 months. The three-time All-Star missed the primary month-plus of the season after present process surgical procedure to restore a torn finger ligament late in Spring Coaching. He returned to play on Might 11 and has began 35 of the membership’s 48 video games since his reinstatement. Longoria has continued to supply on the plate when wholesome, as he carries a stable .242/.331/.462 line by way of 151 plate appearances. That’s clearly not on the stage he confirmed at his peak with the Rays, but it surely’s a second straight season of decidedly above-average energy manufacturing.
Supervisor Gabe Kapler has relied upon Longoria as his major third baseman. They’ll presumably want to combine and match on the sizzling nook not less than by way of the All-Star Break now, with Wilmer Flores, Tommy La Stella and up to date call-up David Villar among the many varied infield choices on the roster. (La Stella has performed largely designated hitter this 12 months however is getting the nod at second base tonight in opposition to Arizona). The membership hasn’t offered a particular timetable on Longoria’s return, however Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle notes he took half in pre-game actions right now to gauge his availability for tonight’s recreation. Clearly, his physique didn’t reply to that work as hoped, however that the Giants initially believed there was an opportunity he may keep away from the IL seemingly suggests they’re not anticipating a long-term absence.
Longoria is within the ultimate assured season of the extension he initially signed a decade in the past with Tampa Bay. The Giants maintain a $13MM membership choice on his companies for subsequent 12 months, but it surely stays to be seen if he’ll proceed taking part in. In a reflective conversation with Slusser final week, the 36-year-old (37 in October) acknowledged he’s given some thought to the potential of hanging up his spikes on the finish of the 12 months. Longoria actually didn’t decide to retirement, saying he hasn’t but “made up (his) thoughts” and has “actually gone forwards and backwards with (his) spouse about this so many instances.” He nonetheless acknowledged {that a} handful of accidents and being away from his household lately has taken each a bodily and emotional toll.
That’ll presumably be sorted out a number of months from now, however Longoria’s instant focus might be on making his return to a San Francisco staff that has scuffled of late. The Giants have dropped six in a row and eight of their final ten, falling to 40-39 within the course of. They’re two video games again of the Cardinals and Phillies within the race for the Nationwide League’s ultimate Wild Card spot getting into play tonight.
