The Giants have moved starter Anthony DeSclafani from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL as he deals with soreness in his right ankle.
DeSclafani, 32, made three starts this year before hitting the IL on April 22. He won’t be eligible to return now until June 21.
DeSclafani’s transfer came in a series of eye-catching roster moves on Monday. Tommy La Stella was reinstated to make his season debut, but his return displaced hot-hitting Luis González. To keep arms fresh, the Giants selected reliever Mauricio Llovera and demoted Yunior Marte.
Days after being put on the injured list initially, DeSclafani said the specialist he consulted with in Wisconsin recommended two-to-three weeks of rest.
The specific injury on his push-off leg stems from last year, but flared up again to start the season, he said. Still, there was no structural damage nor surgery required.
The starter resumed throwing after about two weeks and proceeded to complete multiple bullpen sessions off a mound. Gabe Kapler told local reporters in Denver that DeSclafani’s move from the 60-day IL is unrelated to any setback.
Losing DeSclafani for about five more weeks thins the rotation significantly. Jakob Junis could see a consistent starting role, and there could be more opportunities for spot starts from Sean Hjelle or Sam Long.
Giants starters currently have accumulated a 3.73 ERA — 14th among MLB rotations — after a scolding hot start. DeSclafani was one of San Francisco’s most reliable pitchers last year, posting a 3.17 ERA over 167.2 innings. He signed a three-year $36 million contract to return to the Giants last winter.
