Speedy SF Giants outfielder continues to have terrible injury luck

Young SF Giants outfielder Wade Meckler has show a lot of promise with his speed and bat-to-ball skills in the minor leagues. Unfortunately, he has had a tough time staying on the field and had another unfortunate injury in spring training.

In Sunday's split squad game against the Chicago Cubs, Meckler took a nasty spill diving for a fly ball that was hit to him in left field. The video of the play can be viewed here. Meckler took a bit of an odd route to the ball and may have misjudged how far it was going to carry which forced him to try to jump and catch the ball at the last second. He missed the ball and ended up kind of falling on his face which forced him to lay on the ground for a second.

He was removed from the game with a neck injury and the Giants said they would be checking him for concussion symptoms. One hopes it is not a major issue and Meckler will be back out there in just a few days, but Meckler was bit by the injury bug last year as well. He missed some time in 2024 with a wrist injury which limited him to 87 minor league games.

SF Giants outfielder Wade Meckler gets injured in spring training

The Anaheim native performed fairly well when he was healthy, slashing .280/.366/.423 with 9 home runs, 41 RBI, and 9 stolen bases. His career batting average in the minors sits at .328 so he can definitely get hits.

Even though Meckler was a longshot to make the Opening Day roster, he is still someone who could be promoted to the big league team at some point in 2025. He appeared to be overmatched against major league pitchers in his brief call up late in the 2023 season but he was just 23 years old at the time so his inexperience showed.

Names like Luis Matos and Grant McCray are definitely ahead of him on the depth chart, but his speed and ability to play all three outfield positions could make him more appealing for a Giants team that intends to pride itself on its defense.

The Oregon State product has also reportedly gotten some work at second base in camp which could make him more of a utility man for the team and could give the Giants another left-handed infield option if he shows competence in the infield.

First off, let's hope Meckler's injury is not too serious and that he can get out and play again soon. He is an interesting player for the Giants and could end up being a contributor for San Francisco if he is able to stay healthy.