San Francisco Giants injury updates: Yaz, Haniger nearing return

Aug 28, 2023, 9:46 AM | Updated: 9:47 am

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: Mike Yastrzemski #5 of the San Francisco Giants is congratulate...

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

If you’re a San Francisco Giants fan wondering when some key players will return for the stretch run, do not fret:

Help is on the way.

Giants manager Gabe Kapler told the media on Sunday that there is a “good chance” that outfielders Mike Yastrzemski and Mitch Haniger will return to play in this week’s three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Oracle Park.

“Yeah, possibly. Good chance that’s on the table,” Kapler said Sunday of Yastrzemski’s potential return against the Reds. “Same with Haniger. I could see that happening as well.”

Giants hope to get Mike Yastrzemski and Mitch Haniger back against the Reds, that series starts tomorrow. Haniger will play another rehab game tonight … Yaz ran bases today and felt good.

— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) August 27, 2023

“I think it’s more when those guys are ready it’s time to have them back, and Yaz has been, for several years, one of our best hitters against right-handed pitching, a dependable center fielder, a dependable baserunner and a great teammate,” Kapler said Sunday. “So a very proven, regular, high-quality major leaguer.”

After being placed on the injured list on July 31st for the second time this season due to a hamstring strain, Yastrzemski ran the bases on Sunday and reportedly “felt good” after going through a crucial portion of his rehab.

Haniger, who has only played in 40 games this season while dealing with a fractured forearm, is also closing in on a return as the veteran outfielder hopes to make his return to game action for the first time since June 13th.

“Mitch Haniger was our biggest free-agent acquisition this offseason. He’s not that far removed from a 40-home-run season. I think it’s pretty clear that power would be something that would help us right now. When they’re physically and mentally ready, they’re going to be back on the roster.”

With Yastrzemski and Haniger sidelined, the Giants have looked to younger options like rookies Heliot Ramos, Luis Matos, and Wade Meckler to fill in for the injured outfielders while fellow veterans like Michael Conforto (hamstring) and AJ Pollock (oblique) go through their own stints on the injured list.

The injuries have piled up for San Francisco, but help is on the way, with Yastrzemski and Haniger set to rejoin the active roster this week.