Giants injuries mount as Harrison Bader, Casey Schmitt suffer setbacks

The San Francisco Giants received another wave of concerning injury news Tuesday, with multiple key players progressing through rehab while others suffered significant setbacks at a time when the club’s season continues to spiral.

Entering the final week before the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline, the San Francisco Giants sit more than 15 games under .500 and well outside the National League postseason race.

With the playoffs increasingly out of reach, the front office could soon shift its focus toward selling veteran talent while evaluating younger players for the future.

Here’s an update on where things stand for the San Francisco Giants injury-wise:

Harrison Bader was in a scooter accident that further injured the plantar fasciitis in his left foot, per @PavlovicNBCS pic.twitter.com/tiyt7e37Hh

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 29, 2026

San Francisco Giants Injury Updates: July 29, 2026

The most alarming update involved Harrison Bader, whose recovery from left plantar fasciitis took an unexpected turn after a scooter accident over the weekend. According to the club, the veteran outfielder met with a foot and ankle specialist in Indianapolis before returning to San Francisco, where he was examined by Dr. Ken Akizuki.

The Giants said the scooter accident further injured Bader’s already ailing left foot, changing the nature of his evaluation. He was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Tuesday to determine the severity of the new injury.

Bader, who is in the first season of a two-year, $20.5 million deal, is batting .170 with five home runs over 30 games.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – APRIL 10: Matt Chapman #26 and Harrison Bader #9 of the San Francisco Giants celebrate after a 6-3 victory against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 10, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

There was more encouraging news for Victor Bericoto, who has begun baseball activities while recovering from a left oblique strain. The organization said Bericoto is now playing catch, hitting in the batting cage and progressing through a running program.

Third baseman Matt Chapman also continues moving closer to a return from his abdominal strain. The Giants said Chapman is running the bases, taking ground balls and hitting on the field as his rehabilitation advances. It’s possible that Chapman returns this weekend in San Diego.

Jonah Cox is set to take another important step in his recovery. The outfielder will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday and is expected to play five innings as he works back from a left oblique strain.

On the pitching side, Trevor McDonald suffered the most devastating news of the group. The right-hander will undergo UCL reconstruction surgery next week with Dr. Keith Meister, ending any hopes of a return this season and setting up a lengthy rehabilitation process.

Meanwhile, Joel Peguero threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Monday in Arizona as he continues recovering from a left hamstring strain.

Rafael Devers #16 and Casey Schmitt #10 of the San Francisco Giants celebrate their runs from a Heliot Ramos #17 double, to take a 3-2 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers, during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Giants also confirmed that Casey Schmitt underwent an MRI that revealed a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Schmitt was scheduled to meet with Dr. Akizuki later Tuesday, with additional details about his treatment plan expected after that consultation.

Schmitt’s name was heavily mentioned in trade rumors leading up to his injury, and the 27-year-old was enjoying a career season before heading to the IL. Over 98 games, Schmitt is batting .271 with 21 home runs, 55 RBI, and nine stolen bases–all career-highs.

With the trade deadline rapidly approaching and injuries continuing to mount, the San Francisco Giants face a pivotal week that could shape both the remainder of the 2026 season and the direction of the franchise moving forward.

More MLB content from Sactown Sports

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Upcoming San Francisco Giants 2026 Schedule

• Thursday, July 30th – Sunday, August 2nd – @ San Diego Padres
• Monday, August 3rd – Wednesday, August 5th – @ Texas Rangers
• Friday, August 7th – Sunday, August 9th – vs. Detroit Tigers
• Monday, August 10th – Wednesday, August 12th – vs. Houston Astros
• Friday, August 14th – Sunday, August 16th – vs. Colorado Rockies

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