SF Giants starter Alex Wood looks to make return shortly

LHP Alex Wood throw simulated innings in Houston and hopes to make a rehab start before joining the team again.

SF Giants starter Alex Wood pitched two simulated innings in Houston ahead of the team's Tuesday night's win, and may be ready to join the active roster after one rehab start.

Nothing finalized yet, but Wood is hopeful he’ll be good to go after one rehab start, which should be next step. He threw 38 pitches in 2 simulated innings today. https://t.co/nvKBPCnUkO

— Evan Webeck (@EvanWebeck) May 2, 2023

The Giants placed Alex Wood on the 15-day injured list with a left hamstring strain mid-April, after he tweaked it fielding a bunt. Having spent a chunk of 2022 on the injured list, Wood has been very effective this season with San Francisco. 

He's recorded a 1.80 ERA in 10 innings pitched with 11 strikeouts and six walks. Wood is currently in the second season of a two-year, $25 million contract extension he signed with the team following 2019.

Though both Alex Cobb and Anthony DeSclafani have quietly had very good starts to their seasons with the Giants, the team would likely be more than happy to have Wood back. 

With off-season signings Sean Manaea and Ross Stripling still taking time to find their footing and ace Logan Webb being taunted by the long ball, the Giants' starting rotation has been dealt its share of challenges. Wood's consistency through his outings might be exactly what the team needs.

Wood's rehab start has not yet been scheduled, but once complete he is eligible to join the team again, hopefully in time for their six game homestand.