SF Giants injury updates: Miller to begin throwing, Encarnacion and Koss rehab

The SF Giants began the second half last night against the Toronto Blue Jays. They have several guys on the mend from injuries, but they could be getting them back somewhat soon after the latest updates on their status.

Giants beat reporter Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area provided these updates on social media:

SF Giants injury updates: Miller, Encarnacion, Koss

1. Erik Miller

Left-handed reliever Erik Miller went on the IL with a UCL sprain recently. Elbow injuries are always scary with pitchers, but Miller is set to start throwing again today which is great news. Miller was supposed to miss at least five weeks after the UCL sprain diagnosis, so the fact that he has started throwing is a positive sign.

We will see how he progresses and if there are any setbacks, but the Giants would certainly love to have him back in the bullpen as soon as possible. Joey Lucchesi has already done a fantastic job filling in, but Miller has proven to be an effective late-inning arm these last two seasons.

2. Jerar Encarnacion

Last month, Jerar Encarnacion went on the IL with an oblique strain. He recently started a rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League, but he is now going to continue his rehab in Triple-A Sacramento with the River Cats.

Encarnacion has kind of been forgotten ever since he got hurt and after the team traded for Rafael Devers. It is unclear if there will be a role for him on the team once he is healthy but maybe the Giants will give him one last shot to get going with the bat.

Luis Matos seems like the most likely candidate for demotion if Encarnacion is brought back.

3. Christian Koss

Infielder Christian Koss went on the IL right as he was swinging a hot bat. He was having to fill in at third base after the deluge of injuries at the position.

He injured his hamstring in a series against the Diamondbacks which came at a bad time because the offense was struggling badly and Koss was arguably their hottest hitter. He has done well this year, slashing .265/.305/.357 with two home runs and 12 runs batted in.

The Giants would probably send Brett Wisely down to Triple-A to make room for Koss when he is ready to return.

Miller is probably the most important of these three players for the Giants to get back given his role in the bullpen. Encarnacion and Koss are bench players but if they can get back and provide some value that would be a very welcome development.

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