SF Giants’ Anthony DeSclafani leaves start due to injury in second inning
An exhausted Giants bullpen will be stretched out again on Wednesday.
SAN FRANCISCO — A Giants team that’s already missing one starter due to injury had another exit Wednesday’s game in the second inning.
Right-hander Anthony DeSclafani left his outing against the New York Mets after receiving a visit from Giants manager Gabe Kapler and trainer Dave Groeschner with one out in the top of the second inning.
The Giants announced that DeSclafani left the game with right ankle discomfort. The discomfort presumably came after the pitcher covered first base to record a 3-1 putout against Dom Smith. After that play, DeSclafani returned to the mound and walked New York shortstop Jonathan Villar on five pitches. The final pitch of the plate appearance was a 90.7 mile per hour fastball, which is significantly lower than the 94-to-96 mile per hour range in which DeSclafani usually throws his four-seamer.
Left-hander José Álvarez replaced DeSclafani and the Giants will likely need to rely on him and newcomer Tyler Chatwood to provide length out of the bullpen in the team’s series finale. Several Giants relievers have been used on a frequent basis over the last week, but only three — Tony Watson, Jarlín García and Dominic Leone — appeared in Tuesday’s 3-2 win over the Mets as starter Logan Webb tossed 7 1/3 innings of two-run ball.
Right-hander Johnny Cueto (right flexor strain) is on the 10-day injured list and will miss another start this weekend in Oakland against the A’s, but could be ready to return from the IL next week when the Giants travel to Citi Field to face the Mets again.