SF Giants place Brandon Belt on IL, recall LaMonte Wade Jr.

The SF Giants placed first baseman Brandon Belt on the 10-day injured list and recalled outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr from Triple-A on Friday. Wade is also an experienced first baseman, and will likely see plenty of playing time on the infield dirt with Belt’s injury. In a press conference with reporters prior to Friday’s game, Kapler revealed that the organization expects Belt to miss more than 10 days and is concerned he will need surgery. Given the timing of the injury, any severe injury could end Belt’s 2021 season.

The SF Giants recalled LaMonte Wade Jr and placed Brandon Belt on the IL.

Injuries have often been a thorn in the side of the longtime Giants first baseman. Belt has previously had surgery on his left knee, the source of his most recent stint on the IL. However, this offseason was mired by an early offseason foot surgery and severe symptoms from COVID-19 and mononucleosis. 2020 was easily the most productive season of Belt’s career and he was replicating much of his power gains this season. Across 55 games, Belt has hit 11 home runs with a .253/.363/.512 triple-slash in 2021.

Wade has appeared in 26 games this season for the Giants, posting a .265/.344/.470 triple-slash with four home runs in 94 plate appearances. At Triple-A, Wade has hit .244/.424/.489 over 14 games at Triple-A. Acquired from the Twins this offseason in a trade, Wade has a career .235/.338/.402 line at the big-league level with six home runs in 208 plate appearances.

The SF Giants have likely lost starting first baseman Brandon Belt for an extended period of time. While the lineup will surely feel his absence, young players like LaMonte Wade Jr should receive ample opportunities to earn a permanent role on the team. With Belt’s contract set to expire at the end of this season, the Giants have an opportunity to audition young players to see if they are ready for an everyday role.