The San Francisco Giants breathe a sigh of relief as Willy Adames avoids the Injured List. The veteran remains day-to-day ahead of their series against the Rockies.
Willy Adames is expected to avoid the Injured List after leaving Wednesday night’s game against the Houston Astros with back spasms. However, the San Francisco Giants intend to give their starting shortstop additional time to recover.
Adames exited during the Giants’ 2-1 home loss after experiencing discomfort in his back. Manager Tony Vitello said afterward that the injury is considered day-to-day. San Francisco plans to keep Adames out of Friday’s series opener against the Colorado Rockies as a precaution.
A depleted infield
The veteran shortstop has remained one of the Giants’ everyday fixtures despite an inconsistent offensive season.
Adames is hitting .224 with 19 home runs, 48 RBIs and 100 hits in 116 games this season. He is also one home run away from reaching 200 for his MLB career.
Following Wednesday’s game, Alex Pavlovic from NBC Sports Bay Area reported that the Giants expect Adames to miss Friday’s opener against Colorado while he continues receiving treatment for the back spasms.
Christian Koss is expected to take over at shortstop during Adames’ absence.
The timing presents another challenge for San Francisco, which is already without Matt Chapman and Casey Schmitt because of injuries.
Wednesday’s loss dropped the Giants to 50-71, leaving them fourth in the National League West and out of postseason contention.
Despite their position in the standings, protecting Adames’ health remains important over the remainder of the season.
Houston improved to 62-60 with the victory and maintained first place in the American League West, two games ahead of the Texas Rangers. The Astros secured the series win behind another strong pitching performance.
San Francisco had Thursday off before beginning a three-game home series against Colorado. If Adames responded positively to treatment during the off day, the Giants hope he can return later in the weekend instead of facing an extended absence.
Adames’ value
Adames’ durability and willingness to remain in the lineup have provided stability during a season in which injuries have repeatedly forced the Giants to adjust their infield.
He also brings extensive experience at one of MLB’s most demanding defensive positions. That familiarity can be particularly valuable when younger or less experienced players are forced into larger roles around him.
His power remains another important part of his offensive profile. Even during an inconsistent season at the plate, Adames possesses the ability to change a game with one swing and provide legitimate power from a premium defensive position.
With the Giants no longer fighting for a postseason berth, there is little reason to push him through back discomfort unnecessarily.
Giving Adames additional recovery time could allow San Francisco to get its starting shortstop back without turning a day-to-day problem into something more significant.
