SF Giants Injury Updates: Scary surgery, tight back, relievers running thin

The SF Giants have been a little banged up as of late. Obviously, that's never a good thing but it is especially non-ideal early in the season when the team is still trying to find a groove. Let's take a look at all the current players dealing with ailments and their status.

SF Giants injury updates early in the season

José Buttó - Arm injury

It was not a pretty sight the other day when right-handed reliever José Buttó got roughed up to the tune of four earned runs against the San Diego Padres as he only recorded one out in the eighth inning. He did not look right at all as his velocity was down and he left the game with a trainer by his side.

He was placed on the 15-day IL and news came out on Friday that Buttó would have surgery to remove a blood clot from his arm. While this does not sound like it was an emergency procedure, blood clots are obviously pretty serious so it's a bit scary to hear that is what the issue was.

Hopefully he will not be out too long, but the most important thing is that he gets healthy so let's hope the surgery went as smoothly as possible.

Casey Schmitt - Back tightness

First baseman Casey Schmitt was scratched before Friday night's game with back tightness. He was replaced by Jerar Encarnacion in the lineup.

The issue does not seem to be too serious and our own Jeff Young noted that no players in the minors were held out of their games in case Schmitt needs to go on the IL.

It seems more like a day-to-day issue rather than something that will require an IL stint so hopefully Schmitt can get back out there soon.

Joel Peguero - Hamstring

The Giants were probably thinking that Joel Peguero would factor into the bullpen after a strong showing in 2025. A hamstring issue prevented him from appearing in spring training, though. He threw a live batting practice session on March 30 but there is no concrete timetable for his return.

Sam Hentges - Shoulder and knee

Left-handed reliever Sam Hentges is another reliever the Giants were counting on to have an impact in 2026. He's coming off several injuries affecting his shoulder and knee and he too threw a live BP session on March 30.

With Peguero, Buttó, and Hentges all banged up that is several key relief arms on the shelf for an undetermined amount of time so that will create more of an opportunity for guys like Keaton Winn, Blade Tidwell, Caleb Kilian, and Matt Gage who have all looked strong so far for the Giants.