The Giants didn’t anticipate having to pinch hit Austin Slater for Michael Conforto in the second inning against the Blue Jays.
But there Slater was, digging in against righty Trevor Richards to lead off the top of the second. His team already trailed 5-0, and it lost a starter after a single inning.
Conforto, who has been swinging a hot bat recently, left the game with an apparent injury. He got a lot of action in the first inning in which Toronto tagged ace Logan Webb for five runs, including a grab in foul territory that may have caused some discomfort.
The 30-year-old outfielder had four doubles in his last four games and has a .755 OPS overall this season.
The Giants have been winning in spite of poor injury luck. If Conforto’s ailment is serious, the Giants’ depth will be even more tested.
Currently on the injured list includes Alex Cobb, Mitch Haniger, Mike Yastrzemski, John Brebbia, Scott Alexander and Luke Jackson. Ross Stripling recently returned from the IL, where he was sidelined for over a month. Cobb is due back this Friday, but Haniger is on the 60-day IL and specific timelines for the other players are unclear.
LaMonte Wade Jr., also, has been hobbled by side and back discomfort recently. He’s missed a couple games but avoided the injured list. He’s starting on Wednesday against the Blue Jays and appeared to grimace after swings.
Conforto signed a two-year, $36 million contract with an opt-out after 2023 this winter with the Giants. He missed all of last season due to shoulder surgery.
