Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jaylin Davis has encountered another obstacle toward getting another chance with the Giants.
The outfielder will be out 4-6 weeks, the team announced Friday, with left knee tendinitis. Because of the knee issue, Davis was left off the Giants’ alternate site roster and is remaining in Arizona to rehab.
Davis had some knee soreness in camp, during which he showed the same contact issues the Giants would like him to work on. He struck out 12 times in 22 Cactus League plate appearances, and while he makes solid contact when he connects, the team wants him to connect more often.
He will have time and figures to be in the Triple-A Sacramento outfield once he is healthy. The River Cats’ season opens May 6, and Sacramento will be hosting the alternate site — which will be scrimmaging against the A’s alternate site — in the meantime.
The Giants had several injury updates before Friday’s game in Seattle. Starter Alex Wood, who has a lower back strain, threw a sim game at the alternate site Thursday.
“Sounds like he came out feeling really good, and we’ll just continue to build him up,” Gabe Kapler said.
Aaron Sanchez is opening the season as the fifth starter. Kapler said Wood’s next step is more building up, so they are not rushing him back.
More news from the Giants:
— John Brebbia and Tyler Beede (both recovering from Tommy John surgery) are throwing bullpen sessions twice a week at the alternate site and are “progressing well.” Beede should be back sooner, perhaps in June.
— Rule 5 pick Dedniel Núñez underwent Tommy John surgery Tuesday in Los Angeles. Núñez is doing well and rehabbing at the alternate site, the team said.
The Giants’ lineup at T-Mobile Park:
1. Austin Slater, LF
2. Mike Yastrzemski, RF
3. Donovan Solano, 2B
4. Evan Longoria, 3B
5. Darin Ruf, DH
6. Wilmer Flores, 1B
7. Buster Posey, C
8. Brandon Crawford, SS
9. Mauricio Dubon, CF
Kapler said Tommy La Stella is fine and a “weapon” off the bench on Friday. The lefty infielder has not started in the first two games of the season because the Giants have faced lefty starters. The Mariners are pitching righty Chris Flexen on Saturday, so he likely will get his first start then.
Buster Posey will get a second straight start after a long Opening Day. Kapler checked with the catcher Friday, and Posey said he was good to go.
Kapler said he could pitch Jake McGee, who is the Giants’ best reliever, again. The lefty is built up enough to go back-to-back.
Kapler’s reaction to Major League Baseball moving the All-Star Game out of Atlanta in response to a new law that restricts voting access, especially for people of color:
“I continue to be proud of the steps Major League Baseball is taking to promote diversity, equity and inclusion and voting rights for all in this particular matter.”