Alex Wood nearing return for San Francisco Giants

May 9, 2023, 8:20 AM

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 08: Alex Wood #57 of the San Francisco Giants pitches during the fir...

(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Editor & Kings Beat Writer

As the back end of the San Francisco Giants’ starting rotation has sputtered lately, help could be on the way this week as left-hander Alex Wood nears a return.

Wood, who was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 15th due to a hamstring strain, made a rehab start at AAA Sacramento on Sunday as he goes through the motions needed as he ramps up for a return to the big league rotation.

The 32-year-old tossed 3.2 innings of one-run ball while allowing six hits and striking out one batter during the River Cats’ 2-1 loss to the Las Vegas Aviators at Sutter Health Park.

Alex Wood's day comes to an end with a final line of:
3.2IP, 6H, 2R, 1ER, 0BB, 1K

— Sacramento River Cats (@RiverCats) May 7, 2023

“I know Alex feels ready,” manager Gabe Kapler said when asked of the lefty’s status on Monday before the Giants took on the Washington Nationals.

San Francisco could use some rotation help as recent acquisitions Sean Manaea (7.33 ERA) and Ross Stripling (6.66 ERA) have struggled during the first month of the regular season.

Although the Giants have weathered a recent four-game losing streak, help is needed–especially for a pitching staff that currently holds the 18th-ranked ERA (4.49) in Major League baseball.

Wood only started in three games before being shelved with a hamstring injury, but the 33-year-old looked strong during those performances. The one-time All-Star holds a 1.80 ERA while having struck out 11 batters over ten innings pitched this season.

As of now, Wood is on track to be activated for a start during San Francisco’s upcoming four-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks that will open up on Thursday.

The Giants need more arms, and it looks like reinforcements are on the way.