Giants Outfielder To Miss Half The Season

 

Another tough injury blow to the San Francisco Giants' outfield. 

Surgery to repair a lower back herniated disc will keep second-year Giants outfielder Luis Gonzalez out of the mix for at least half of the 2023 season. He was already expected to miss the start of the year with his back issues, but the surgery is an unfortunate new development.

Some #sfgiants injury news: OF Luis Gonzalez is undergoing surgery today to repair a herniated disc in his lower back. It’s a 16-week recovery estimate. He’ll miss at least half the season but there’s optimism that he’ll finally put the issue behind him.

— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) March 14, 2023

According to Giant beat writer Andrew Baggarly, the team is estimating a 16-week recovery, which takes us to the All-Star Break at least. 

The 27-year-old's rookie year with the Giants in 2022 got off to a wonderful start, hitting .280 in eight games in April, then exploding in May with a .368 average, a .910 OPS and 13 RBIs in 23 games.  

But  a lower back strain played havoc with the rest of his season, landing him on the injured list twice, and seeing him struggle to final marks of a .254 average, with a .683 OPS, four home runs and 10 stolen bases. 

Big offseason addition Mitch Haniger is currently on the shelf with a Grade 1 oblique strain, further weakening the San Francisco outfield to start the year. 

Non-roster invitee Stephen Piscotty may now be able to win himself a spot on the roster if he continues his strong string. 

Photo: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports