Anthony DeSclafani will get surgery next week on his right ankle, Giants manager Gabe Kapler announced July 3.
The surgery will likely end DeSclafani’s season after five starts. DeSclafani, 32, is in the first year of a three-year, $36 million contract. He has posted a 9.95 ERA in 2022.
“The optimistic view is he’s going to come back as healthy as he’s been for the beginning of 2023,” Kapler said.
DeSclafani’s surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, July 12, Kapler said.
The starter has dealt with right ankle pain on-and-off since last August. He pitched through the injury on his push-off leg in the home stretch of the 2021 season, then felt the discomfort was behind him in the offseason. But the inflammation returned during spring training. A dose of rest, recovery and strengthening on the 60-day injured list in April and May didn’t do enough, as DeSclafani hit a wall.
When DeSclafani hit the 15-day IL two starts after returning from the 60-day, Kapler said the Giants would explore all options, including surgery.
“Anthony worked really hard following last season to come to camp healthy, to be the best version he could possibly be for the Giants,” Kapler said. “Appreciate the work ethic and how much he gave us. We know that he’s going to give that same level of effort in this rehab process.”
DeSclafani made 31 starts in each of the past two full seasons. He’s been durable and dependable, with much of his value coming from pitching deep into games when called upon every five days.
Without DeSclafani, the Giants will rely on a rotation of Logan Webb, Carlos Rodón, Alex Wood, and Alex Cobb. Jakob Junis, who has excelled with a 2.63 ERA in seven starts, is nearing a return from his hamstring injury. Junis has thrown two bullpen sessions and will face live hitters with the team in Arizona, he said.
Sunday’s series finale against Chicago is DeSclafani’s turn. John Brebbia will open a bullpen game that will likely include multiple innings from Sam Long and Sean Hjelle. The Giants have had success this year and in 2021 in games without a traditional starter.
Last year, the Giants went 21-10 in games DeSclafani started. Individually, he went 13-7 with a 3.17 ERA, including two complete game shutouts. His outstanding performance earned him a multi-year contract — the longest deal San Francisco’s Farhan Zaidi-led front office has handed out to a starting pitcher.