Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
SCOTTSDALE — For the second time in a week, a Giants pitcher has been determined to need Tommy John surgery.
Rico Garcia is the latest victim, the righty set to undergo the procedure Saturday in San Francisco. Rule 5 pick Dedniel Nunez will go under the knife in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Garcia appeared in 12 games for the 2020 Giants, allowing six runs in 10 innings (though three of those came in one out-less outing). He was not in the competition to make the Giants’ Opening Day roster, but he would have represented further depth in Sacramento and might have been able to be stretched out; he had come through the Rockies’ system as a starter before debuting as a reliever and then signing with the Giants after the 2019 season as a free agent.
The 27-year-old from Hawaii has a fastball that was consistently sitting at 97 mph through camp as well as a solid changeup as a secondary offering. If there is a bright side to the development, it’s the timing: There is a solid chance Garcia can be a factor for someone, at least, for the 2022 season.
As is the case with Nunez, whose route to returning to the Giants is more complicated. Being a Rule 5 pick, he can operate under the same rules next year, meaning he cannot be demoted and must spend at least 90 days on the active list next year to avoid being offered back to the Mets.
More injury updates from the Giants:
— Brandon Belt (right heel surgery, mono) is scheduled to get an at-bat Wednesday night as a pinch-hitter when the Giants play the Padres at Scottsdale Stadium. Belt has not appeared in a Cactus League game.
— Alex Wood (recovering from an ablation for nerves in his lower back) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday. Wood still may be a factor in the opening week of the season, though how built up he will be is the question.
— RHP John Brebbia (recovering from Tommy John) is currently throwing bullpen sessions twice a week and is “progressing well through his rehab,” the Giants said. Brebbia may be back around midseason.