Tuesday was rough day all around for the Giants. Wednesday started off on a better note.
San Francisco received a positive result the MRI on Alex Cobb’s groin, which revealed only a Grade 1 strain. The Grade 1 strain is the least serious possible strain for the area, and means that Cobb is likely to return when his stint on the 10-day Injured List. He will be eligible to return as early as April 30.
After surrendering a string of base hits and also sprinting from the mound to cover first, Cobb gingerly shook his right leg in the fifth inning of Tuesday’s doubleheader opener. He was seen grabbing at his groin area while running after allowing a double to Jeff McNeil.
Earlier in the game, Cobb took an awkward fall at home plate, when Starling Castro slid in to score on a wild pitch. That was in the first inning, though, and Cobb looked effective for three innings afterward.
Cobb going to the IL immediately allowed the Giants to carry both reliever Yunior Marte and infielder Luke Williams on the roster for the second game of the night.
Cobb’s injury could pave the way for an MLB debut for pitching prospect Sean Hjelle. A spot start in Washington D.C. may have been necessary anyway, given the Giants were set to play six games in five days (including Tuesday’s doubleheader). No starter will be ready on four-days rest on Saturday, April 23.
