San Francisco Giants outfielder Angel Pagan left Monday’s win after suffering a hamstring strain. He was placed on the disabled list on Tuesday, and it’s unclear when he’ll return to the field.
Continue for updates.
Pagan Announce Pagan’s Replacement
Tuesday, May 24
The Giants announced that they placed Pagan on the DL with a left hamstring strain and recalled outfielder Jarrett Parker from Triple-A Sacramento.
Pagan Set for MRI
Monday, May 23
Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News reported Pagan will undergo an MRI.
“There is some concern because it is the same hamstring,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said, per Baggarly.
Pagan’s Absence is Significant Blow to Giants Depth
RotoWire (via CBS Sports) noted Pagan’s hamstring forced him to miss a May 21 victory over the Chicago Cubs.
The outfielder finished 0-for-3 with a walk Monday before exiting the game with the hamstring concerns. Coming into the contest, he was hitting .282 with two home runs, 13 RBI, five steals and a .734 OPS.
Pagan has never been much of a power threat, recording only one season in his career with double-digit home run totals, but he is solid on the basepaths (he stole 29-plus bases in three seasons in a row from 2010 to 2012) and sports a .280 career batting average and .330 career on-base percentage.
The Giants will miss his ability to set the stage for the sluggers in the middle of the order by getting on base if he is forced to miss extensive time.
Brandon Belt moved to left field after Pagan exited Monday, while Conor Gillaspie took over at first base for Belt. San Francisco can turn to Belt with Pagan out since the former is a dangerous offensive threat who is fresh off a breakout performance in 2015 with a .280 batting average and career-best marks of 18 home runs and 68 RBI.
The Giants also have veteran Gregor Blanco as a potential candidate to fill in since he is versatile enough to play all three outfield positions. Blanco hit .291 last season and flashed his impressive speed with 13 stolen bases.
While Belt and Blanco give the Giants some reliable options if Pagan is out, they are also needed at other positions (Belt is a first baseman, and Blanco can play everywhere in the outfield). San Francisco sits in first place in the National League West and could use a healthy Pagan as it chases a postseason spot.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com