The last time we heard about Marco Scutaro, Brian Sabean used the word “confounding” twice to discuss the second baseman’s recovery from a lower back injury (h/t Bay Area Sports Guy). With the very real possibility that Scoots is done for the season and *gasp* his career, let’s examine what the past, present and future hold for the Giants at second base.
Category Archives: injury
Ryan Vogelsong injury: Timetable for return is coming together
UPDATE: BRUCE BOCHY SAYS VOGELSONG COULD START HIS REHAB AS EARLY AS NEXT WEEK WITH SAN JOSE, ACCORDING TO ALEX PAVLOVIC OF THE SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS.
Giants starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong is expected to begin a rehab assignment as early as July 30th, according to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle. The right-hander is attempting to return to the rotation from a broken pinky on his pitching hand that has kept him out since May 20th.
From the information gathered by Schulman, Vogelsong will join Double-A affiliate Richmond for a six-game homestand July 30th-August 4th. The Giants will be on the same coast at the same time, playing road games against Philadelphia and Tampa. The proximity should facilitate scouting Vogey’s return and have him check in with team doctors in person. If one or both potential starts go well, the 35-year-old could rejoin the rotation by the second week of August.
Joaquin Arias injury: Giants infielder has appendectomy, heads to disabled list
Giants infielder Joaquin Arias was placed on the disabled list Monday following an appendectomy, according to Alex Pavlovic of the San Jose Mercury News. Arias was diagnosed with appendicitis Sunday and had successful surgery late that night after playing a full game at shortstop against Los Angeles. Hitting sixth, Arias went 1 for 3 with a double off Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw in the losing effort.
A 3-4 week window is given for most players recovering from an appendectomy, but the results can vary. Braves outfielder Jason Heyward was out for 25 days following his surgery earlier this year, returning May 17th after going under the knife April 22nd. However, there have been cases of shorter recoveries. Matt Holliday took nine days and Adam Dunn took just six to return to game action in the 2011 season.
Nick Noonan has been recalled to take Arias’ roster spot. This is Noonan’s third crack at the big leagues, having made the Opening Day roster but been yo-yoed since his initial demotion on June 8th. Like Arias, Noonan can play multiple infield positions.
Arias was having a decent run for a bench player, batting .319 in 73 plate appearances since June 1st. The 24-year-old Noonan has struggled in his first few cups of coffee, hitting just .212/.256/.235. Per FanGraphs, Noonan hasn’t been a liability in the field or on the basepaths, scoring positive marks in both categories. All small sample size caveats apply.