SF Giants expecting key reliever and outfielder to return soon

The SF Giants are expecting a pair of reinforcements to return soon enough. Both Mike Yastrzemski and Scott Alexander began rehab assignments with the Sacramento River Cats this past weekend.

SF Giants expecting key reliever and outfielder to return soon

Rehab assignments are not as long as they used to be. Once a player begins one, they could return within a game or two. Of course, this depends on the severity of the injury they sustained and their general hold on a roster spot.

Both Yastrzemski (hamstring) and Alexander (hamstring) were both placed on the injured list in the middle of June, meaning that they have missed minimal time so far. Yastrzmeski has recorded two hitless games with the River Cats, whereas Alexander registered a scoreless outing in a 3-2 win against the Reno Aces on Sunday night.

The results are not necessarily important with a rehab assignment. The important thing is that the player feels physically able to return to the active roster.

The Giants hit a minor slide this past week as they went 2-4 against the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Mets. The return of both Yastrzemski and Alexander should help them head in the right direction.

Prior to hitting the injured list, Yastrzemski was in the midst of a solid 2023 campaign. The left-handed bat has registered a .259/.324/.482 line (118 OPS+) with 10 home runs, 27 RBI, and 37 runs in 217 plate appearances. This includes an 8.3 percent walk rate against a 26.3 percent strikeout rate.

Yastrzemski not only contributes on offense, but has flashed a quality glove at both center field and right field this season. He has been worth +4 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) in center field and +3 DRS in right field. No outfielder on the roster can impact the game on both sides of the ball in the same way as Yastrzemski, so it is tough when he is out of the lineup.

On the other hand, Alexander has been a steady reliever for the Giants. The nine-year veteran has generated a 3.52 ERA, 3.68 FIP, 0.95 WHIP, 4.3 K/9, and a 2.20 SO/W ratio in 27 appearances. This includes a solid 63.9 percent ground ball rate. Plus, he has one of the best mustaches in baseball, which should be reflected in his WAR if you ask me.

The good news is that both are expected to return. And, they could return as soon as tonight with the Seattle Mariners in town.