Last season, the San Francisco Giants seemed to lack talent. This year, they are lacking bodies. Whether the front office plays it safe or makes a big splash, the results appear to be the same. Fans could be in for another exhausting playoff push in 2024, one that could end in similarly unsatisfying fashion as 2023's did.

Injuries continue to ravage the slumping Giants (36-40), as two more players head to the injured list ahead of Saturday's road game against the St. Louis Cardinals (37-37). Though, the unfortunate roster moves will give one young talent in particular another opportunity to make a lasting impression.

Outfielder Mike Yastrzemski (oblique strain) and right-handed starting pitcher Keaton Winn (elbow inflammation) are being placed on the IL and Luis Matos and David Villar are being recalled to the big leagues, per Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area.

Although San Fran's depth suffers with these latest updates, manager Bob Melvin will get a serious look at two minor leaguers who have not yet been able to carve out a meaningful MLB role for themselves. There will especially be pressure on Matos to produce.

The Venezuelan outfielder is batting .224 with a concerning .577 OPS in 21 games for the club this season. He was sent down to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats in the beginning of June after a 2-for-22 stretch at the plate. Yastrzemski is struggling in his own right– .224 batting average with seven home runs and 28 RBIs– so there is a possibility Matos can be an offensive upgrade.

Nevertheless, losing a solid defensive right fielder with a strong arm is discouraging news. Yastrzemski is hopeful he can return after a 10-day IL stint. Management will find it more taxing to patch up the feeble pitching rotation.

Giants are in desperate need of some arms

Keaton Winn (15-day IL) was having an absolutely brutal time on the mound of late, allowing a whopping 32 earned runs in his last six starts, but Melvin does not have much where else to turn. Reigning National League Cy Young Blake Snell and former top-20 MLB prospect Kyle Harrison are both currently sidelined, leaving the starting staff dangerously thin.

Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi might need to get on the phone before the July 30 trade deadline and restock the organization's pitching arsenal. Though, a sub-.500 record does not usually portend a buying lifestyle.

Everyone is well aware of the parity flooding much of the NL Wild Card standings. Seven teams, including San Fran, are within two games of the third and final postseason slot. But the Giants are in the bottom of the pile and trending in the wrong direction after dropping three matchups in a row, all to clubs presently ahead of them in the race.

These latest injury problems could further jeopardize their October prospects. Or, could a breakout emerge in the form of Luis Matos or infielder David Villar and give the squad a jolt of life? Fans might as well fill their glasses halfway, assuming they have not yet smashed them against the wall in frustration.