SF Giants outfielder Austin Slater diagnosed with strained hamstring

The SF Giants outfield depth has taken another hit less than two weeks from Opening Day. Austin Slater has been diagnosed with a strained hamstring.

The SF Giants might not have another outfielder available on Opening Day. Giants manager Gabe Kapler told reporters on Saturday that outfielder Austin Slater suffered a strained hamstring. While Kapler did not share a specific timetable, he acknowledged that Slater may no longer be available by Opening Day.

SF Giants left fielder Austin Slater reacts to his double in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. (2022) / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Slater has only appeared in three games during spring training, and just once in the field. He was already delayed in ramping up for the season by an elbow injury. He recorded a pair of hits in nine at-bats, including a double, alongside two walks and four strikeouts. However, in his first game playing in the field, Slater had to leave the game early.

With outfielder Luis González out for several months after undergoing back surgery and Mitch Haniger already sidelined by a Grade 1 oblique strain, Slater's injury raises questions about the Giants outfield depth early in the season. Assuming Slater is on the injured list to start the season, Rule 5 pick Blake Sabol seems guaranteed to crack the Opening Day roster. This injury could also open the door for minor-league free-agent signing Stephen Piscotty or Bryce Johnson to make the team.

Injuries have plagued Slater throughout his career, consistently sidelining him. When healthy, Slater has one of the best combinations of power and speed on the team. Consistently grading out as an above-average glove in both center and right field, Slater is a versatile piece.

Slater has become an overlooked member of the team's core, and will likely need to have a resurgent season to help the Giants return to postseason contention. Slater had a breakout season in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, hitting .282/.408/.506 with five home runs and eight stolen bases in 31 games.

Of course, Slater is at his best against left-handed pitching. While his career .255/.345/.402 triple-slash is roughly league average, the Stanford product has a .285/.377/.469 line with 32 doubles, five triples, 20 home runs, 71 walks, and 139 strikeouts in 640 career plate appearances against southpaws.

The SF Giants obviously want Austin Slater to get back on the field as soon as possible, but after his second injury of the spring, it's hard to envision him returning to the field in time to be active by Opening Day.