SAN FRANCISCO -- A promising rookie season has come to an end.
Center fielder Steven Duggar has a torn labrum in his left shoulder after dislocating it while diving back into second base Tuesday night. Doctors have recommended surgery, although a final decision has not been made. Duggar could also try to rehab the injury, but that seems unlikely. If he has surgery, doctors expect him to be fully ready by the start of next season.
Duggar, 24, was the Giants' most dynamic player in the days before going down. He had six hits in 18 at-bats on this homestand, including a go-ahead triple and his first homer at AT&T Park. Duggar's speed and instincts in center field might have saved his last game when he cut a would-be RBI double off in the gap.
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“I’m sure he’s crushed. The guy loves to play the game,” Bochy said. “He was really in a good place as far as his confidence and his swing. This is a tough break for him. He’s getting a chance to play in the major leagues and show what he can do. This is a bad break.”
Overall, Duggar hit .255 in 41 games, with a .303 on-base percentage, two homers, a triple, 11 doubles and five stolen bases. At the time of his injury, the Giants were considering moving Duggar back to the upper third of their lineup. Assuming he has no issues next spring, he will return as the starting center fielder, with a chance to open the season as the leadoff hitter.