San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman was recently placed on the injured list with inflammation in his right hand, the same one he hurt earlier this season. It appears that returning from the IL too soon played a role in the setback.
Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic discussed the issue on KNBR, explaining how much the injury had been bothering Chapman before the move.
“Oh, significantly. I think it was probably the biggest factor. He’s the type of player who wants to be in the lineup every day and will convince his manager he can go.
His manager knows him well and trusts him, but looking back, having him play essentially every game—starting the first 31 to 33 after his return and only resting for three innings—was probably a mistake in hindsight.”
Matt Chapman’s speedy return from IL may have caused more problems for SF Giants
Baggarly and the hosts also pointed to Chapman’s last season with the Blue Jays, when a hand injury lingered and hurt his performance the rest of the way. His production this year was showing a similar decline, as he hit just .196/.278/.366 over his last 30 games.
Baggarly noted that Chapman’s relationship with manager Bob Melvin factored into the situation, especially since Melvin dismissed the idea of giving Chapman a rest only days before he wound up on the IL.
To Chapman’s credit, he did everything possible to return after jamming his right hand in June on a pick-off attempt. His defense and leadership make him invaluable, so it’s hard to fault him for trying to push through to help the club.
Still, with age becoming a factor, he needs to prioritize his health. The Giants took a risk committing long-term money to a player in his 30s, and Chapman’s ability to stay on the field without worsening injuries is crucial.
The upside of his absence, though, is that it opens the door for younger players like Casey Schmitt and Christian Koss to see more time. In a season that’s already slipping away, developing those players matters more than Chapman risking further setbacks.
Be the first to comment