Mike Yastrzemski to miss 2-3 weeks as Giants navigate trade deadline

Aug 1, 2023, 9:35 AM | Updated: 3:56 pm

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 03: Mike Yastrzemski #5 of the San Francisco Giants pauses a the t...

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

As we move within hours of Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline (3 PM PST), the San Francisco Giants will look forward to nearly a month of action without outfielder Mike Yastrzemski.

According to Giants manager, Yastrzemski will miss two-to-three weeks with a left hamstring strain. The 32-year-old previously missed around two weeks from late June into early July while dealing with the same left hamstring, returning on July 3rd to bat .143 over 22 games.

Yastrzemski clearly wasn’t right after his return from the injured list, and San Francisco will now shelve the veteran outfielder and look toward the chaotic trade deadline for reinforcements.

Mike Yastrzemski will be out 2-3 weeks. A.J. Pollock will take that roster spot soon. Gabe Kapler on Pollock: “I’m really happy to have him. This is a move that suggests we think there’s more in the tank for A.J.”

— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) July 31, 2023

The Giants got busy in acquiring a band-aid type of replacement for Yastrzemski on Monday by acquiring former Gold Glover Award winner AJ Pollock to man the outfield during Yastrzemski’s absence.

Pollock, a 35-year-old that has struggled to a .173 average and five home runs over 49 games with the Seattle Mariners this season, is expected to be active for San Francisco’s game on Tuesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

While Pollock provides the Giants with some outfield insurance, this roster could benefit from an aggressive trade deadline deal to bring another bat to the lineup.

Potential Giants Trade Deadline Targets

As of Tuesday morning, the same team that dealt Pollock to San Francisco–the Seattle Mariners–are reportedly looking to trade former All-Star outfielder Teoscar Hernandez.

Hernandez, a 30-year-old who will enter free agency at the end of this season, is batting .238 with 16 home runs and 59 RBI while leading the American League in games (106) and strikeouts (143).

Although Hernandez’s strikeouts tendencies could prove problematic, the outfielder can mash left-handed pitching (.303 avg) and play respectable defense. If the Giants want to add a batt with power, Hernandez could be a solid get while Yastrzemski gets right on the injured list.

MLB Network’s Jon Heyman listed San Francisco as a potential fit for the 2021 All-Star.

Teoscar Hernandez is available as the Mariners appear to be in sell mode. @jonmorosi mentioned Phils, Jays and Giants as potential fits

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 1, 2023

While it’s unlikely that the Giants will continue to seek middle-infield help during the trade deadline, the St. Louis Cardinals are in fire sale mode and have some interesting trade pieces.

Second baseman Tommy Edman, and reliever Giovanny Gallegos are players that San Francisco could be interested in as the deadline approaches.

Buckle up. 3 PM PST will be here before you know it!