Tony Vitello is gearing up for his inaugural season as the manager of the San Francisco Giants. But before the real action kicks off, he’s navigating the challenges of spring training, including dealing with potential injuries.
Third baseman Parks Harber, acquired in the Camilo Doval trade, recently suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain during a March 14 spring training game. This setback is expected to sideline him for four to six weeks. Meanwhile, right-hander Hayden Birdsong is seeking a second opinion on his Grade 2 forearm/UCL sprain, according to MLB.com.
While neither Harber nor Birdsong were guaranteed spots on the Opening Day roster, both have shown promising potential. The Giants are hopeful for their speedy recovery and eventual contributions once they’re back to full health.
Harber is likely to make his mark in the minors this year. With 102 minor league games under his belt, he’s yet to play above Single-A.
However, his stats are impressive: a .312 batting average, 14 home runs, 83 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. Ranked as the No. 14 prospect in the Giants' system by MLB Pipeline, Harber was set to start the season at Double-A if not for the injury, as reported by Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports.
Birdsong, on the other hand, had a stronger shot at making the major league roster, boasting 37 MLB games, including 26 starts. With a 4.77 ERA and a 156/80 K/BB ratio over two years with the Giants, he’s shown he can handle the pressure.
Once healthy, Birdsong is expected to compete for a role as a backend starter or a versatile bullpen option. He’ll need to prove himself once more to secure his spot in the majors.
As Vitello embarks on his first season, the Giants are dealing with a few moving parts. They’re hoping to keep injuries at bay and maintain a strong lineup as they head into the new season.