PHOENIX — The Giants are facing a challenging stretch as they will play without not just their starting shortstop but also their third baseman for at least the next ten days.
On Wednesday, third baseman Matt Chapman was placed on the 10-day injured list due to an abdominal strain. To fill the gap in the infield, the team has called up utility infielder Christian Koss from Triple-A, ensuring they meet the minimum requirement for infielders.
With Willy Adames sidelined for the third consecutive game because of back spasms, Koss immediately stepped into the starting lineup at shortstop. Casey Schmitt, who had been covering shortstop duties for the last two games, returned to his preferred position at third base.
Despite Adames being unavailable since Sunday’s game, the Giants initially chose not to adjust their roster. As a result, when Chapman exited Tuesday’s game in the seventh inning, they lacked a ready infielder to step in. Outfielder Jonah Cox, who hadn’t played infield since his college days, was pressed into service at second base, with Luis Arraez taking over third, a position he hadn’t played since 2022.
Chapman revealed he’d been experiencing intermittent discomfort around his hip flexor and lower midsection since early May. The pain became intolerable after making a barehanded grab to get Gabriel Moreno out at the end of the sixth inning.
Chapman attempted to stay in the game and took his next at-bat in the top of the seventh but was clearly in pain and was replaced on defense in the bottom half of the inning.
The timing is unfortunate given Adames’ current absence, but the Giants are hopeful the shortstop will be ready to return Friday when they begin a series against the Rockies at Coors Field.
Additionally, Chapman was already planning on missing three games sometime during what will now be an IL stint. His wife, Taylor, is expecting their first son, Jack, this weekend.