SF Giants recall speedy outfielder after placing Austin Slater on the injured list

Austin Slater suffered a hamstring strain in Wednesday's 11-6 loss against the Washington Nationals. The ailment has put him on the injured list with speedy outfielder Bryce Johnson taking his spot on the roster according to the team's transaction log.

SF Giants recall speedy outfielder after placing Austin Slater on the injured list

This has been a tough year for Slater. His spring training debut was slowed due to an elbow injury. He then sustained a hamstring strain during a Cactus League game, which caused him to miss most of April.

However, the 30-year-old will return to the injured list for the second time in 2023 with a hamstring strain. This is certainly not a good sign, but the Giants are cautiously hopeful that the injury is minor. The right-handed bat had recorded seven hits in 19 at-bats since coming off of the injured list.

Throughout his seven-year career, Slater has proven to be a versatile glove in the outfield and a strong hitter, especially against left-handed pitching. Sometimes, the schedule is light on lefties, which had been the case with the Giants recently. So, they had used him a little more against righties to get him some at-bats.

Bryce Johnson will be taking his place on the roster. The speedy outfielder was optioned on Monday after he was activated from his rehab assignment. Johnson sustained a concussion after colliding with the wall on an incredible play against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 12.

The 27-year-old missed three weeks before beginning a rehab assignment. The good news is that he was able to return in relatively short order. That type of injury can be unpredictable and the Giants hope that there are no lingering symptoms.

Johnson began the season as a non-roster invitee in spring training. However, he put together an impressive showing in camp while leading the Cactus League in stolen bases. He was added back to the roster at the beginning of the year.

The switch-hitter recorded three hits, including his first career major league home run, in 20 at-bats before sustaining the concussion. With both Slater and Mike Yastrzemski on the shelf, Johnson and along with Brett Wisely will see the bulk of the time in center field.