SF Giants injury updates: Brandon Crawford, Thairo Estrada, Haniger, more

The SF Giants have several key players recovering well from injuries, including Brandon Crawford, Thairo Estrada, and Mitch Haniger.

As the trade deadline approaches, the SF Giants are set to receive a few internal pieces back from the injured list, adding an extra boost during their race for the postseason. However, the club was dealt a tough blow on Friday afternoon when they announced that right-hander Keaton Winn felt soreness in his right elbow after his last outing with Triple-A Sacramento on July 22.

SF Giants infielder Brandon Crawford talks to manager Gabe Kapler and an athletic trainer during a game. (2023) / Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

Veteran shortstop Brandon Crawford was eligible to be activated off the injured list ahead of Friday’s action against the Boston Red Sox, but the Giants will be giving him a bit more time.

“I think every day when a player is coming off an injury –– every day that goes by –– you get a little bit healthier, a little bit fresher, a little bit stronger, and we just want Craw to be at his very best when he comes off,” Kapler told reporters on Friday. “Took some pretty intense work today and I think that's a good stepping stone to activate him.”

Crawford, 36, has been shelved with left knee inflammation since July 17 and the Giants have virtually been productionless in their effort to replace him at shortstop, leading to the eventual call up of top prospect Marco Luciano. Crawford was slashing .207/.285/.333 with five homers and 26 runs batted in at the time he was placed on the injured list for the second time this season –– the first was in early May with a right calf issue.

In his rehab from a fractured right forearm, Mitch Haniger has returned to all baseball activities.

“Saw some good video yesterday of him swinging the bat and he's moving right along,” Kapler said Friday.

No exact timetable was given for Haniger’s return. He’s been sidelined since being drilled with a pitch in St. Louis on June 13. The 32-year-old outfielder was slashing .230/.281/.372 with four homers and a .653 OPS.

Thairo Estrada continues to take grounders in the middle infield as he works his way back from a left hand fracture. He attended a checkup with Dr. Hansen on Monday afternoon and started hitting and fielding activity later in the day.

“Every day the intensity level of the baseball activities ramps up,” Kapler said. He hasn't had any setbacks or soreness –– that's to be expected –– but looking good, trending in the right direction.”

The second baseman sustained the fracture after being hit with a pitch on July 2. He was one of San Francisco’s leading position players, producing a 2.1 bWAR in 70 games with the team. He was slashing at an All-Star Game worthy pace prior to the injury. 

Reliever John Brebbia will continue his throwing progression in San Francisco, the organization announced Friday. The right-hander hit the IL with a right lat strain on June 17. Brebbia was throwing well in a traditional bullpen role, along with his duties as the primary opener for the Giants. He's tossed 28 2/3 innings with a 3.14 ERA, 10 walks, and 36 strikeouts. His 11.3 K/9 is a career-high thus far.

Luis González, often the forgotten piece in the SF Giants outfield plans, will continue his rehab back from lower back surgery. He's been playing for Triple-A Sacramento since July 25. Before then, he received some game work in the Arizona Complex League. Through six total games of rehabbing, González is 2-for-17 with a double, three runs, an RBI, three walks, and four strikeouts.