SF Giants: Evan Longoria Battling Nagging Injury

With a veteran-heavy squad, the SF Giants have to approach spring training cautiously so that the team is healthy and ready to go by Opening Day.

The SF Giants gave a health update on first baseman Brandon Belt last week and now third baseman Evan Longoria will be slow-played as well.

SF Giants Evan Longoria battling a nagging injury

John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Longoria’s spring training routine is being slowed by a plantar fasciitis issue that may delay when he plays the infield.

With that being said, the Giants third baseman is healthy enough to step into the batter’s box as he has been one of the team’s better hitters so far. The good news is that it is not putting him on the shelf, but it will become more concerning if he is unable to take the field in the coming weeks.

To the Giants’ credit, they are using spring training as a chance to see who else can handle the hot corner. When Longoria missed the beginning of the 2020 season, the absence of his reliable glove at third base was felt immediately.

San Francisco heads into the 2021 season hoping that its roster is more versatile. If his nagging foot injury persists and he begins the year on the injured list, then the Giants might feel comfortable with Tommy La Stella or Jason Vosler at third base.

However, a new name might be entering the competition as well: Mauricio Dubon. Dubon is slated to test out his glove at the hot corner today after spending a total of 83 innings there as a minor leaguer. This might be due to Longoria’s foot injury or just the type of work you see players take on during spring training.

The Cactus League is a good time to see what you have and the Giants seem to be preparing in case Longoria is not able to go on Opening Day. The good news is that the 35-year-old is healthy enough to swing the bat, so the foot does not appear to be too bothersome.