San Francisco Giants shut down another pitcher as injuries mount

“There’s no structural damage, but I do have a sprain,” Hjelle said of the injury. “So I’ve just got to do the due diligence and make sure it’s healthy and then be reevaluated and go from there.”

Sean Hjelle said scans show his UCL is intact, which was a relief. He will rest and get treatment for inflammation for two weeks and be reevaluated.

— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) March 5, 2024

Hjelle, who is entering his third season with the Giants, was in a solid position to secure a spot in San Francisco’s bullpen. FanGraphs’ Roster Resource projections had Hjelle in the mix for being one of San Francisco’s openers as they navigate several injuries to its pitching staff.

Over 23 big-league appearances, Hjelle holds a 2-1 record and 6.17 ERA over 54 innings, though the Kentucky product has struck out 9.8 batters per nine innings pitched.

The Giants could open the season with Keaton Winn (elbow inflammation), Tristan Beck (upper arm aneurysm), 2023 All-Star right-hander Alex Cobb (left hip surgery), and 2021 Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray (Tommy John surgery) on the injured list.

Winn is progressing in his return to action and could be in play to return before Opening Day on March 28th.

Unless team president Farhan Zaidi opens up the team checkbook for free agents Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery, San Francisco is in line to open the season with the following starting rotation:

• Logan Webb (RHP)
• Kyle Harrison (LHP)
• Keaton Winn (RHP)
• Jordan Hicks (RHP)
• TBD