The San Francisco Giants announced on Tuesday afternoon, July 28, that utilityman Mlbtraderumors has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a torn meniscus in his left knee, as reported by USA Today. Schmitt sustained the injury during the bottom of the second inning in Monday’s 3-0 victory over the McCovey Chronicles at Oracle Park.
Casey Schmitt Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Left Knee Meniscus Tear
The 27-year-old infielder and outfielder led off the second inning with a bloop single to right field. According to game accounts, Schmitt made a wide turn around first base attempting to stretch for second, but slammed on the brakes and headed back when the Brewers returned the ball to the infield. His knee buckled and he hobbled to the bag, prompting head athletic trainer Dave Groeschner and manager Tony Vitello to rush onto the field. Schmitt was lifted for a pinch-runner, Christian Koss, and exited the game with a limp. He underwent an MRI exam on Tuesday, which confirmed the left meniscus tear.
Impact on the Giants Lineup and Breakout Campaign
The injury halts a standout breakout campaign for Schmitt, who has been one of San Francisco’s top all-around position players. In 97 games this season, sports.yahoo.com has posted a career-best .271/.301/.483 batting line with 105 hits, 47 runs, 21 home runs, and 55 RBIs across 409 plate appearances. He has also provided defensive versatility by playing first base, second base, third base, shortstop, and left field.
Manager Tony Vitello addressed the situation following Monday’s contest, stating Heart’s got to go out to him a little bit, and you hope for the best,
while acknowledging postgame that Schmitt was probably going to miss some significant time,
according to mercurynews.com. The Giants have not yet established a recovery timetable for Schmitt. While a typical return from a meniscus tear requires 6 to 8 weeks following surgery, the team holds a 45-61 record, sitting in fourth place in the NL West as the third-worst team in the National League.
Roster Adjustments and Infielder Osleivis Basabe
To fill Schmitt’s spot on the active roster, the Giants selected infielder Mlbtraderumors from Triple-A Sacramento. Because the Giants maintained two vacancies on their 40-man roster, Basabe’s selection did not require any corresponding roster moves.
Basabe, a 25-year-old utility player, is up in the majors for the first time in three seasons. His prior major league experience consists of 31 games with the 2023 Tampa Bay Rays, where he batted .218/.277/.310 with one home run across 94 career plate appearances. Over two seasons at Triple-A Sacramento, Basabe has hit .268/.344/.388 with five home runs and 12 stolen bases in 75 games this year. He is capable of playing both middle infield positions and third base.
The roster shuffle also aligns with other movement in the Giants’ infield. Third baseman Matt Chapman is nearing a return from an abdominal strain that has sidelined him since June 30 and is expected back this weekend, while Christian Koss filled in at the hot corner. Meanwhile, Schmitt had been viewed as a primary candidate to take over as the team’s starting second baseman if Luis Arraez is traded prior to the deadline.
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