via Chris Mezzavilla, KNBR
A day after Giants starter Anthony DeSclafani exited in the second inning with right ankle discomfort, president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi gave fans some good news.
Zaidi, joining KNBR’s Tolbert, Krueger and Brooks Show, said DeSclafani’s MRI showed no significant structural damage. He added SF’s No. 2 starter likely won’t be out for long.
“It seems like more of a bruise situation,” Zaidi said. “Our training staff, they’ve done an amazing job this year. They’re going to treat him. And we’re hopeful he’ll be ready for his next turn on Tuesday.”
DeSclafani said after Wednesday’s 6-2 loss to the Mets that the pain was gradual and began in the first inning. He left the game shortly after he appeared to awkwardly step on first base covering the bag on a grounder.
On the year, DeSclafani has posted a 3.26 ERA and 1.085 WHIP in 132.2 innings. He’s 11-5 in 24 starts.
If DeSclafani in fact is ready for his next start, that boosts SF’s rotation that’s becoming a bit stressed down the stretch. Zaidi said Thursday’s off day, as well as the post-Bay Bridge Series idle day, come at an opportune time for the Giants’ arms. He said being aggressive in pitchers’ counts — avoiding waste pitches — can help keep pitch counts down and allow starters to go deeper into games. Zaidi also called reliever Tony Watson a “godsend” for the work he’s done in various roles.
“When you’re a good team, you play a lot of competitive games,” Zaidi said. “And your top relievers get taxed a little. That’s what we’ve seen in this recent run.”
Listen to the full interview below.