Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants’ blistering run that catapulted them into the wild-card race began virtually as soon as they called up Alex Dickerson in late June. Their poor play of late began virtually when he went on the 10-day injured list on Aug. 1.
The right oblique strain that has kept Dickerson out now will keep him out longer than expected.
Bruce Bochy changed his tone Wednesday, after saying Monday he expects Dickerson to be back Sunday, when he’s eligible.
“He might need a few more days,” Bochy said before the Giants’ game at Oracle Park against the Nationals, adding the timetable is not firm.
“We don’t have a target date for that yet. Every day he just gets re-evaluated and we’ll see where he’s at as far as him being able to take swings. So I’m hoping that by the weekend he’s pretty close.”
Dickerson has yet to swing and is set to play catch Thursday, Bochy said. Dickerson has started running, but has not done much to test his oblique.
Bochy said Dickerson likely would need a rehab stint, too, pushing his return further back. The Giants (and Dickerson) want to make sure he’s OK.
“You gotta be careful with these types of injuries,” Dickerson said Tuesday. “They can get way worse really fast. I gotta play it smart and just make sure it’s healed. I want to be out there as soon as possible, but I gotta be smart about it.”
For a team in desperate need of some offense and the spark that Dickerson provided, an extended absence could prove costly for their hopes to make a run at the playoffs.