Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
A day after Brandon Belt was removed from the injured list, Alex Dickerson hit a list that now numbers 15.
The Giants placed the outfielder on the 10-day IL with an upper back strain/tightness after he grimaced and straightened up after a swing Tuesday, which prompted his exit from the game.
The spot allowed the Giants to activate Sammy Long on the same day as righty Jimmie Sherfy was added, too, and righty Matt Wisler was designated for assignment.
Gabe Kapler said he didn’t anticipate this being a long IL stint for Dickerson, but any mention of his back can be concerning. He has had a long history of back issues, including 2017 surgery when he was with the Padres.
The Giants did not summon an outfielder because they are fairly well-equipped to handle life without Dickerson, even if few bats are like his when he’s hot. Steven Duggar has excelled, Mike Tauchman has struggled but showed a sign of snapping out of it with his Tuesday grand slam, and LaMonte Wade Jr. can be played more in the outfield with Belt back.
Mike Yastrzemski should not be far behind, Kapler mentioning that the outfielder shook his hand hard for the first time Tuesday since Yaz sprained his right thumb. Yastrzemski, who has begun his hitting progression, is eligible to be activated Saturday.
For a team already without Dickerson, Tommy La Stella, Evan Longoria and Darin Ruf, his return would be welcomed.
The rotation for the Giants’ series in Washington:
Thursday: RHP Anthony DeSclafani (5-2, 3.51) vs. RHP Max Scherzer (5-4, 2.22)
Friday: RHP Kevin Gausman (7-0, 1.27) vs. TBA
Saturday: RHP Johnny Cueto (4-2, 3.70) vs. RHP Joe Ross (2-6, 4.80)
Sunday: LHP Alex Wood (5-3, 3.79) vs. LHP Jon Lester (0-2, 4.19)
Caleb Baragar and Aaron Sanchez both started rehab assignments with Triple-A Sacramento Tuesday. Baragar threw a 24-pitch scoreless inning, in which he walked one and struck out two. Sanchez threw two innings and allowed a run on two hits.