Melvin shares encouraging update on Estrada's hamstring injury originally aired on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – The Giants received encouraging news regarding second baseman Tyro Estrada's left hamstring injury, with the 28-year-old potentially returning to the starting lineup as soon as Saturday.
Estrada, who was left out of Wednesday's loss to the New York Mets, received treatment during San Francisco's off day on Thursday and was hitting and playing defense at Oracle Park.
Manager Bob Melvin suggested the Giants could be ready to add Estrada back to the starting lineup after he came off the bench in Friday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“We want him to be able to do some baseball activity, get some ground balls, get some hits,” Melvin told reporters in the home dugout before Friday's game. “My guess is he's probably ready to come off the bench tonight, but he'd like to start more tomorrow. Hopefully, we knocked on wood and got around it there. ”
Estrada was batting .232 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 28 games before getting injured.
Rookie Tyler Fitzgerald, who replaced Estrada in the sixth inning of Wednesday's game, is scheduled to start Friday against the Pirates.
The news wasn't all that encouraging for injured starting pitcher Alex Cobb.
The veteran right-hander, who has been sidelined since undergoing left hip surgery in the offseason, has been limited in pitching over the past few days due to lingering pain in his throwing shoulder.
“I knew he was going to the doctor today. I didn't hear about that,” Melvin said. “I know he’s pitching, but he’s still at the stage where he’s not getting off the mound.”
Melvin also indicated that the team is still figuring out what to do next week when it's Blake Snell's turn in the rotation. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner was placed on the 15-day injured list earlier this week after missing a scheduled start with a left adductor muscle strain.
The Giants haven't decided who will play Snell's role, but Melvin suggested it likely won't be a bullpen game.
“We're going to stay in line,” Melvin said. “(Logan Webbs) is scheduled to pitch on the first day in Boston. We'll have to make a decision on the second day in Boston. No decision has been made yet.”
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