The SF Giants removed third baseman J.D. Davis from Tuesday night's game against the San Diego Padres in the top of the fourth inning, lifted for pinch-hitter Luis Matos ( Giants Top 4 Prospect). Davis had seemed to be favoring his shoulder after a head-first slide into third base trying to extend a double in the bottom of the first inning. The team later revealed that he was removed from the game with a left shoulder strain.
With less than a week left in the regular season, Davis could have very easily played the final game of his season. While the Giants (and Davis) obviously are hopeful he avoided a serious injury, with San Francisco out of playoff contention, it might make sense to be conservative and place Davis on the injured list to finish the season and give his playing time to a younger player like Marco Luciano, Tyler Fitzgerald, or Casey Schmitt-who could be recalled to take Davis' spot on the roster.
Davis has been one of the Giants' few everyday players this season, providing excellent defense at third base alongside a .246/.325/.413 triple-slash with 23 doubles and 18 home runs in 144 games. Under team control through 2024 via arbitration, Davis seems like a surefire bet to be tendered a contract. However, with no guarantees, that could change if he suffered a serious shoulder injury that could sideline him through next season.
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