Gulp.
The San Francisco Giants don’t have a lot of margin for error as they try to climb out of the hole they dug themselves over the first few months of the season and get into postseason contention. And that margin for error just got a lot smaller.
Shortly before Tuesday’s game against the Chicago White Sox, the Giants announced that catcher Patrick Bailey had been placed on the 10-Day Injured List (retroactive to Monday) with a right oblique strain. Taking his place on the roster is catcher Jakson Reetz, who was recalled from AAA Sacramento.
Bailey was initially in the starting lineup for Monday’s game, but was a late scratch with side tightness after experiencing discomfort in the batting cage pre-game. After the game he suggest that it was nothing to worry about, and that he was pulled as a precaution, which prompted me to write an all-time bad headline: Patrick Bailey’s ailment is very mild.
That’ll learn me (it won’t).
While Bailey’s injury obviously isn’t very mild, it does, thankfully, seem to be on the mild end of “injuries that land you on the IL,” and the team expects him fairly soon.
Bob Melvin says they’re pretty optimistic that Patrick Bailey can return soon after the 10 days. They’re playing it extra cautious with the oblique.
— Shayna Rubin (@ShaynaRubin) August 21, 2024
Bailey has been mired in the slump of all slumps lately, but don’t let that trick you into thinking this is a good thing. Even though he’s been hitting like a pitcher (since the All-Star break he’s 11-96 with two doubles, five walks, and 24 strikeouts), he’s still playing the best defense in the Majors, so his presence will be missed. But on the bright side, we can hope that a little break will recharge him, and that he can end the season hitting like the player he was in the opening months.
Heal up, Patty Barrels. You’ll be missed.
What time do the Giants play today?
The Giants host the White Sox at 12:45 p.m. PT to conclude their three-game series.