SF Giants may be getting back underrated force in the lineup soon

The SF Giants have gotten some good news on the injury front. Infielder Tyler Fitzgerald could start a rehab assignment as soon as today. With the team's offense struggling, they could certainly use him back in the lineup as soon as possible.

Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reported this news on social media. Fitzgerald is not the only infielder on the mend as Casey Schmitt could be starting a rehab assignment today as well.

SF Giants could get back versatile offensive threat very soon

However, Fitzgerald's return could be huge for San Francisco. The team has really struggled to score runs recently so having a player like Fitzgerald back in the fold could give the Giants a little bit of a spark.

When Fitzgerald got injured with a cracked rib, he was slashing .284/.341/.432 with five stolen bases. While he has not flashed his power at the plate like he did at times last season, he has gotten on base at a respectable clip after a slow start thanks to a former Giants great. His speed also makes him a key asset on the base paths. With the Giants struggling to get runs on the board, having a speedy threat on the bases like Fitzgerald can change everything.

With Fitzgerald on the shelf, the Giants have not gotten a ton of production at second base. Christian Koss has seen the lion's share of time at second filling in for Fitzgerald, slashing a meager .224/.283/.224. Brett Wisely has not done any better as he has yet to record a hit in ten at-bats.

If Schmitt had not gotten injured as well, he probably would have seen some time at second base. Yet, the second base spot in the lineup is clearly the weakest spot in the order which is why getting Fitzgerald back would help a lot.

The best chance the Giants have to get going again on offense is to try and manufacture runs. Getting runners on base, stealing a base here and there, and getting a bunt down are all things that Fitzgerald brings to the table.

While Fitzgerald is not the flashiest name on the team, it is still a really good sign that he is nearing a return from his injury. If one assumes his rehab assignment will last at least a week, the Giants could get him back fairly soon. Let's hope he is able to find a rhythm at the plate and provide a spark on offense.