SF Giants recall David Villar, starting third second lands on injured list

The SF Giants will be without infielder Thairo Estrada for at least 10 days as he landed on the injured list with a wrist sprain. David Villar was recalled to take his place according to the team's transaction log.

SF Giants recall David Villar, starting third second lands on injured list

The Giants cannot catch a break when it comes to injuries. It feels like whenever they inch closer to full health, another injury pops up. They hope that Estrada will not be out for an extended period of time.

In his absence, Villar along with Brett Wisely will combine to hold down second base. Given that Wisely has more experience there and hits from the left side, he could be in line to receive a nice look with Estrada on the shelf.

With that being said, Estrada was off to a fantastic start, slashing .301/.345/.466 (120 OPS+) with six home runs, 17 RBI, and 30 runs in 206 plate appearances. The 27-year-old also brings an element of speed that the lineup really needs as he has swiped 13 bases in 16 opportunities.

He and J.D. Davis have been the Giants' most consistent hitters in 2023, so it is a tough loss. In addition to this, Estrada has been excellent with the glove at second base as he has been worth +5 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and +5 Outs Above Average (OAA) this year. He leads the Giants in both categories, so it tough to replace that type of production, but the Giants have some depth to make it work.

Villar was tabbed as the Opening Day third baseman. However, due to his struggles and Davis' emergence, the 26-year-old was supplanted just one month into the season. Villar registered a rough .148/.240/.316 line (52 OPS+) with four home runs, 11 RBI, and 10 runs in 100 plate appearances before being optioned to Triple-A.

During his time with the Sacramento River Cats, the right-handed bat posted a .900 OPS with two home runs, seven RBI, and six runs in 35 plate appearances. Villar has appeared at first base, second base, and third base this year, so there should be plenty of chances to insert him back into the lineup.