Latest injury news on Matt Chapman, Casey Schmitt, is a blessing in disguise for SF Giants

The SF Giants have been without both Casey Schmitt and Matt Chapman for some time now due to injury. It has felt like a long shot that either player would return this season, and after Schmitt underwent knee surgery and Chapman confirming he will need surgery both are now certainly done for the year.

One never wants to see a player’s season cut short due to injury. This is especially true for Schmitt since he was having such a great breakout campaign prior to his injury. But it may not be the worst thing in the world that both guys are done for this year.

The Giants are out of playoff contention so wins and losses don’t matter all that much these final two months. What is far more important is getting younger players some opportunities and that’s exactly what these injuries will do.

Osleivis Basabe, Nate Furman, and Christian Koss are all now essentially auditioning for a bench role next season. Chapman will obviously be the team’s starting third baseman next season and Schmitt projects to be the team’s starting second baseman. 

The starting infield is basically already spoken for next season since Willy Adames will remain the shortstop and Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge will share time at first base. 

Even if the likes of Koss, Basabe, and eventually Marcelo Mayer who was acquired in the Erik Miller trade and is set to start a rehab assignment soon, are just competing for a bench role next season, that still matters and they could still end up seeing a fair amount of playing time next season.

Giants need insurance options for underperforming veterans

Chapman has been injured and missed time each of the past two seasons as has Schmitt. Adames has been underperforming and battling a back injury and he and Chapman are both on the wrong side of 30.

Even if Chapman and Adames are owed all that money, underperformance is not going to be tolerated until the end of their contracts. If a guy like Mayer, who was a top prospect just a couple years ago, impresses and plays well then he’s going to get opportunities if their decline continues.

It’s good to have options and it’s good to make sure those options are ready when they get the chance. Allowing these younger players to get more opportunities at the end of this season will help the team going forward so even if it stinks that Chapman and Schmitt had their season cut short, at least the team will be more prepared in the future.

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