Casey Schmitt (knee) out Tuesday vs. Brewers

Schmitt is set to undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, so this move was an inevitability to free up a spot on the Giants’ 40-man roster. The expectation is that Schmitt will be fully recovered and ready to go in time for spring training.

Giants manager Tony Vitello told reporters the procedure will “more than likely” end Schmitt’s season. It’s hardly an unexpected development after the 27-year-old breakout slugger was diagnosed with a meniscus tear in his left knee earlier this week. It would be extremely surprising if he makes it back in any capacity, which means that fantasy managers can safely drop Schmitt in nearly all formats. He finishes an unexpected breakthrough campaign with a strong 271/.301/.483 slash line with a career-high 21 homers, 55 RBI and nine steals in 409 plate appearances.

No word yet regarding how much time Schmitt will miss, but he’s facing an extended absence. There’s a strong possibility that his season is over. It’s an unfortunate development for the Giants, and fantasy managers, as Schmitt’s breakout campaign comes to a screeching halt. He hits the shelf after batting .271/.301/.483 with a career-high 21 homers, 55 RBI and nine steals in 409 plate appearances, delivering top-10 caliber fantasy production at both second and third base this season. The 27-year-old suffered the injury while pulling up awkwardly after rounding first base during Monday’s game at Oracle Park. There should be a definitive return timeline at some point, but fantasy managers shouldn’t anticipate him returning with just over eight weeks left in the season.

Manager Tony Vitello believes Schmitt will miss some time with the injury. The good news is that the Giants are closer to getting Matt Chapman back from the injured list. However, that’s not expected to happen before the weekend. Christian Koss figures to start in Schmitt’s place Tuesday.

Schmitt left the contest with a trainer after suffering an apparent left leg issue while pulling up awkwardly after rounding first base following a second-inning single. He was limping noticeably while walking off the field. The biggest concern here is that he may have hurt his knee on the play. There should be an update on his status once he undergoes further evaluation.

Schmitt did his damage in the third inning of this one, tattooing a 1-1 fastball from Grayson Rodriguez for a 412-foot (105.9-mph EV) three-run shot that increased the Giants’ lead to 5-1. That would be his only hit in the contest but played a major role in the victory. For the season, the versatile 27-year-old is slashing .272/.303/.489 with a career-high 21 long balls and 54 RBI in 400 plate appearances.

Giants’ manager Tony Vitello told reporters on Friday that Chapman won’t be ready to return at any point during the team’s current road trip, but could be ready at the start of their next homestand which begins on July 24. Casey Schmitt will continue to man the hot corner in Chapman’s absence.

Schmitt broke a tie game in the sixth inning, taking Kyle Freeland deep for a three-run blast to lead the Giants to a win. The home run was number 19 for Schmitt. The 27-year-old slugger has had a breakout season so far, slashing .280/.309/.500 with 42 runs scored, 50 RBI, and seven steals across 366 plate appearances.

There’s no indication that the Giants are on the precipice of making a roster move with Adames sitting for the second straight contest with a lingering back issue. The 30-year-old shortstop has been dealing with back spasms since last weekend. It’ll be Casey Schmitt continuing to fill in during his ongoing absence.

It’s notable that Adames hasn’t been placed on the injured list yet after making an early exit from Sunday’s contest against the Braves with back spasms. He’s day-to-day for now. It’ll be Casey Schmitt, who returns to San Francisco’s lineup following a one-game absence due to illness, taking over at shortstop on Monday night at Chase Field in his absence. There should be a final decision on Adames prior to Tuesday’s showdown.