SAN FRANCISCO -- The first play of Saturday's game got the Los Angeles Dodgers off to a good start and also appears to have knocked a Giants outfielder out of games for at least a week.
The Giants put Austin Slater on the 7-day concussion IL on Sunday before the final game against the Dodgers this season and recalled Steven Duggar from Triple-A. Duggar went right into the lineup, playing center field and hitting eighth against Walker Buehler.
There was no immediate explanation given about Slater, as the move was made about two hours after manager Gabe Kapler addressed the media Sunday afternoon. Kapler did hint that the training staff had one player to check on. Slater slammed hard into the center field wall in the first inning while chasing down Trea Turner's leadoff homer on Saturday, although he did stay in the game.
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The Giants also sent left-hander Sammy Long back to Triple-A and recalled right-hander Camilo Doval for a second straight bullpen game. Kapler said the Giants wanted another righty against this Dodgers lineup, but also pointed out that Long has some things to iron out in Triple-A. He appeared in the top of the ninth on Saturday and gave up a solo homer to Corey Seager before getting out of a bases-loaded jam.
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Slater primarily has played against left-handers this season and has hit them well. He has a .844 OPS against lefties and surely would have been in the starting lineup on Monday at Coors Field when the Giants face Kyle Freeland.
