SF Giants: Mike Yastrzemski leaves game after hit by pitch

In the SF Giants’ final game of spring training, outfielder Mike Yastrzemski was removed from the game after being hit by a pitch on his left hand by Oakland Athletics pitcher Sean Manaea. Yastrzemski was hit while swinging at a third strike. Yaz finished the spring with four home runs and a .300/.349/.675 triple-slash.

During a postgame videoconference with reporters, manager Gabe Kapler revealed the team’s training staff was “optimistic” but sending Yaz to receive an X-ray on his hand. Shortstop Brandon Crawford also told reporters that he believes the injury looked worse than it was and expects his teammate to return to the field soon.

Mike Yastrzemski left the SF Giants game after he was hit by a pitch.

Yastrzemski remains one of the best players in the organization. If he were to miss significant time with injury, it would be a massive loss for the lineup. Last season, Yastrzemski finished eighth in National League MVP voting and hit .297/.400/.568. Over his big-league career, he has hit .281/.357/.535 with 31 home runs in 636 plate appearances.

The Giants’ front office could face an interesting decision if Yaz ends up on the injured list. While outfielders LaMonte Wade Jr, Steven Duggar, and Jaylin Davis have all played in the big-leagues and are on the 40-man roster, none have excelled this preseason. Top outfield prospect Heliot Ramos, on the other hand, has hit an incredible .410/.425/.718 and recently won the Barry Nugent Award. Ramos is only 21, but perhaps the organization would feel the need to challenge their fourth-best prospect if Yastrzemski was forced to miss an extended period of time.

Just a few days away from Opening Day, the SF Giants might have lost one of their most important players. After outfielder Mike Yastrzemski was hit on the left hand in Monday’s game against the Oakland Athletics, fans will hope that an X-ray reveals good news. If he is forced to miss substantial time, it could force prospect Heliot Ramos into his big-league debut.