The Giants are on the mend, and it could not have come at a better time.
Maintaining MLB's best record for most of the season, the Giants' impressive amount of depth has kept the team afloat amid injuries to key players up and down the lineup.
Infielder Tommy La Stella returned to action Wednesday night after being sidelined since early May due to a hamstring strain and a thumb fracture. His impact was immediately felt, reaching base four times with two base hits and two walks in the Giants' 7-1 win over the D-backs at Chase Field.
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SIGN UP HERE “It’s sort of what we were hoping for with Tommy when he signed him, a game like today," manager Gabe Kapler said of La Stella after the victory. "Just really patient, grinding-style of an at-bat, just makes it very difficult when he grinds you down, and then you get into some guys (in the lineup) who can really do damage, but also continue the same approach.”
La Stella isn't the only veteran player on the mend, as both Brandon Belt and Evan Longoria are expected back soon.
The Giants have hit more home runs (164) than any other team in baseball. They also rank third in the National League in runs scored (529) and fifth in on-base percentage (.327). They've been able to establish themselves as one of the best hitting teams in MLB, despite the numerous injuries to key players.
With Belt likely to return to the lineup on Thursday, and Longoria's eventual return not too far off, the Giants lineup will be deeper and even more dangerous than it already is.
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“It’s huge, it’s almost like getting another guy in a big trade," Kevin Gausman said after the game. "These guys showing up healthy and ready to go, it’s just a little spark of energy for everybody too. It’s nice to have those guys coming back.”
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La Stella's bat fit seamlessly near the top of the order Wednesday night. The 32-year-old utility player must be happy to return to such a productive lineup.
“Yeah definitely," La Stella said. "I think I've felt that way this whole year. It was pretty apparent in Spring Training that we had a really unique group and a special offense. I was very excited to be a part of it, and then obviously hitting the IL sucks, but it’s great to be back now.”
The trade deadline just passed -- but for the Giants -- reinforcements are still on the way.
