SF Giants pitcher Alex Cobb suffers setback in rehab

May 20, 2024, 10:05 AM

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 24: Alex Cobb #38 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the...

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

The injury-plagued San Francisco Giants might be getting reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell back this week, but they will have to wait a little longer for another starting rotation member.

Alex Cobb, a right-handed starter who has been on the injured list since the end of the 2023 season, had his throwing program put on hold as he recovers from right shoulder soreness.

Cobb was progressing through his rehab from left hip surgery that addressed his labrum and ongoing impingement issues, but he will miss more time as he treats his throwing shoulder.

The San Francisco Chronicle‘s Susan Slusser reported over the weekend that Cobb had a second cortisone shot in his shoulder, which is the primary reason he has halted his throwing program.

Alex Cobb has had a second cortisone shot for his shoulder, slightly different spot, which is why he’s not throwing right now. Hopes this one does the trick and is feeling better.

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) May 18, 2024

More on SF Giants pitcher Alex Cobb

Cobb, 36, was named to the MLB All-Star team for the first time in his career during an overall impressive 2023 that saw the right-hander post the Giants’ third-highest wins-above-average rating (2.6).

Although Cobb was a staple in San Francisco’s rotation to start the year, a hip injury reared its ugly head down the final stretch, and San Francisco was forced to shut the right-hander down in September.

Cobb’s first half of 2023: 6-2, 2.91 ERA, 86 K over 89.2 innings

Cobb’s second half of 2023: 1-5, 5.25 ERA, 45 K over 61.2 innings

Shortly after announcing Cobb’s surgery, the Giants picked up the veteran’s $10 million option for the 2024 season. Cobb was named to the MLB All-Star team for the first time in his career in 2023,Ω which saw the right-hander post the Giants’ third-highest wins-above-average rating (2.6).

San Francisco’s roster has been decimated by injuries, with outfielders Jung Hoo Lee (shoulder) and Michael Conforto (hamstring), pitchers Blake Snell (adductor) and Robbie Ray (Tommy John surgery recovery), designated hitter Jorge Soler (shoulder), catchers Tom Murphy (knee) and Patrick Bailey (concussion), and shortstop Nick Ahmed (wrist) on the injured list.

Snell is set to return this week, while Cobb and Ray (expected to return around the All-Star break in July) will continue to rehab and prepare to help the Giants during the stretch run.