San Francisco Giants player notes: Latest news on Brandon Crawford, Joe Panik, Matt Cain, Tim Hudson and more

Aug 31, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford (35) is checked after being hit by a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Crawford

The baseball Gods have not been kind to Crawford in recent weeks.

The injury bug has bit the shortstop on three occasions dating back to Aug. 25, when Crawford first strained his left oblique. Only a game after returning from that ailment, the shortstop was hit in the left calf by a Zack Greinke pitch, forcing him out of action yet again. Both injuries were re-aggravated Tuesday versus Arizona, forcing him to leave the game.

He is out of the lineup Wednesday against the D-Backs, and with the playoff race all but over, the Giants should at least give Crawford 15 days on the DL. Shutting him down for the rest of the season and letting Kelby Tomlinson play some games at his natural position would be an even better move.

Given that he’s been stuck on 19 home runs for what feels like forever, though, don’t be surprised if Crawford gets a few cracks at getting to a nice, even 20.

Next: On to Panik