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SURPRISE, Ariz. — Dedniel Nunez had been impressing in camp — his first big-league camp — and seemed like a near certainty for the Giants’ Opening Day roster after not even pitching above High-A ball previously.
His prized arm may keep him from realizing his dream.
The Giants’ Rule 5 pick has a UCL sprain in his right, pitching elbow, an MRI showed. The Giants are seeking a second opinion and hesitant to comment further beyond the initial diagnosis, which often leads to Tommy John surgery.
If the 24-year-old with a high-90s fastball and nasty slider undergoes surgery, he could return to the Giants next year under the same Rule 5 rules: He would need to remain on the IL/active roster the entire season to officially become a Giant. Yet, the hopes of his sticking may have been dashed by the elbow, which plagued him Friday.
The Giants had a similar situation with their December 2017 Rule 5 pick, Julian Fernandez, who had elbow surgery prior to the 2018 regular season and eventually was returned to the Rockies.
Nunez’s injury is more pressing, but Alex Wood’s might be more important to the 2021 Giants’ chances.
The 30-year-old, who has dealt with numerous injuries throughout his career, has a stiff back and is seeing a spine specialist Monday, Gabe Kapler said after the 6-1 loss to the Royals at Surprise Stadium.
Regardless of the specialist’s findings, Kapler doesn’t expect Wood to enter a game for the “next week or so.” Wood, who had a bad back that forced him to miss much of the 2019 season, would need to build back up even if he is cleared, and his readiness for the first week of April is in question.
The Giants have an undisputed three in Johnny Cueto, Kevin Gausman and Anthony DeSclafani. Aaron Sanchez, who has been brought along slowly after signing late, is in “great position” to be ready for the start of the season, Kapler said. As is Logan Webb, who has been excellent in the Cactus League.