While the San Francisco Giants are facing fierce competition in the NL West, the team is still battling to remain involved in the playoff conversation. When LaMonte Wade Jr. returns from injury, the Giants will like their chances much more.
Wade was able to take grounders and began some light running on Tuesday, via Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic. The first baseman/outfielder was expected to be out until the end of June as he works his way back from a hamstring injury. However, Wade is determined to play in the Giants' matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field on June 20.
While it's not set in stone that Wade will be playing in that game, he has been making steady progress towards a return. He suffered his injury back on May 27 when his leg got jammed into second base while sliding on a double. It wasn't the first rodeo with hamstring problems, as he originally tweaked it on May 25 trying to stretch out for a Matt Chapman throw.
Wade's initial time frame to return was four weeks, making that June 20 optimism a bit ahead of schedule. San Francisco certainly won't rush him back and risk re-injury, especially to the hamstring. But at 33-35 and nine games behind the first place Los Angeles Dodgers in the West, the Giants need a spark.
The team will see how LaMonte Wade responds to taking grounders and running. If there are no setbacks, perhaps they'll look to ramp up his rehab. Ultimately, Wade continues to march towards his injury return although no official date for a rehab assignment, or straight return to the roster has been announced.
LaMonte Wade Jr. provides massive value to Giants
Acquired by the Giants via trade in 2021, Wade has alternated strong and rocky seasons. His debut with the team saw him hit .253 with 18 home runs, 56 RBI and six stolen bases over 109 games. But the next season, Wade hit just .207 with eight home runs, 26 RBI and a steal.
Come 2023 however, Wade once again seemed to find his stride. Over a career-high 135 games, the utility man hit .256 with 17 home runs, 45 RBI and a pair of steals. With his approach seemingly back on track after the 2023 campaign, San Francisco was counting on Wade. He has delivered in a big way throughout the 2024 campaign.
Over 52 games, Wade is hitting .333 with two home runs, 17 RBI and a stolen base. While the power stroke hasn't been there, he has getting on base like no other point in his career. If he were eligible, Wade's .470 on base percentage would lead the entire league. Alongside playing both first base and the outfield, Wade has been a table setter for the Giants and a crucial member of the team's offensive success.
San Francisco may not expect LaMonte Wade Jr. to continue his torrid pace once he returns. However, he has taken a massive leap and has proven to be a staple in the rotation. It will take a little longer, but the Giants are getting closer to getting Wade back into the lineup.
Follow Us
Subscribe