SF Giants: Austin Slater exits with injury in first inning against D’backs
Austin Slater started Friday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks as the Giants’ designated hitter because his right elbow isn’t healthy enough to allow him to play the field.
It now appears Slater is dealing with two injuries.
Slater was removed from Friday’s game at Oracle Park in the bottom of the first inning after he appeared to tweak one of his legs while running the bases. The Giants did not announce a specific injury for Slater.
When Giants right fielder Mike Yastrzemski launched a long flyball to left center that trickled off of David Peralta’s glove, Slater ran from second to third and grimaced in discomfort when he arrived at the base. Slater received a visit from Giants trainer Dave Groeschner and manager Gabe Kapler, who convinced Slater to exit the game.
The Giants replaced Slater with Darin Ruf, but were unable to bring Ruf home from third as first baseman Wilmer Flores struck out before third baseman Evan Longoria bounced into a 5-4-3 double play against D’backs starter Robbie Ray.
Slater drew a walk in his first plate appearance, improving his OPS to a team-best 1.111 on the season.
The Giants were optimistic Slater would be ready to play the field by the end of the weekend, but it seems the young outfielder now has another hurdle to clear before returning to the diamond.
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