© Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
After Thursday night’s 4-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs, Bruce Bochy provided an update on the status of Jeff Samardzija’s injury.
“We didn’t know, that’s why I didn’t want to talk about it until I found out,” Bochy said. “He had an MRI and it showed that, a strained right peck. That’s good news for us.”
Bochy’s update on Samardzija. #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/xXaxt4hPVn
— Keaton A. Moore (@KeatonAMoore) March 23, 2018
Initially, it was believed that Samardzija injured his shoulder, but after having it examined on Thursday afternoon, it was revealed that he strained his right pectoral muscle, which will only keep him from throwing for the next 10 days. Samardzija will begin the season on the disabled list.
Samardzija has a pec strain. Will rest 10 days and then start throwing. Very good news, considering other possibilities.
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) March 23, 2018
In 11 innings pitched this spring, Samardzija held a 10.64 ERA, thanks in part to a staggering six home runs he allowed. His swollen numbers and possibly his pectoral strain came in part to Samardzija toying with a new grip on his curveball.
“He’ll go a week without throwing a ball, then he’ll crank it back up,” Bochy said. “It shouldn’t take long to get him back on the mound, so it’s good news.”