The only thing that really matters in Spring Training is player health. Injuries happen all the time in the game but the ones that happen in the pre-season are the most frustrating. Both Mitch Haniger and Brandon Crawford have been shut down recently and we all know those are key guys. So far there's no real replacement for BCraw. If his knee flares up again I suppose we'll see Thairo Estrada man the SS position and that will probably make a spot for Isan Díaz (who was optioned to AAA already). Haniger was expected to beef up a shaky outfield group and to be in the lineup most days. They are saying he'll be back in a week. Luis González will have back surgery and is out for at least the first half of the year. I did not expect him to make the team but his loss puts a dent in the depth chart. Fortunately Austin Slater is back (he had 4 RBI today in a 7-6 win over AZ) and appears to be on track for Opening Day.
Alex Cobb took a liner off his knee but it does not appear to be a serious injury. Kyle Harrison, the phenom, got knocked around a bit in his appearances and will open the season in AAA. One of the cool stories in camp was Ronald Guzmán, a former first baseman who wants to be a two-way player. He's been popping 97 mph but will now be out until May with an elbow strain. Otherwise the staff looks healthy and should be a strength of the club.
The Giants have twelve more play-dates before their first real game on the 30th. Let's hope they keep everyone in good shape until then.
--M.C.
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