The Giants’ 26-man Opening Day roster is officially set, but it won’t include left-handed pitcher Alex Wood.
The free agent signee who entered spring training as the only southpaw slated to begin the season in the Giants’ starting rotation was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to March 29 after Wood underwent an ablation for nerves in his lower back two weeks ago.
Giants manager Gabe Kapler spoke to reporters Wednesday from T-Mobile Park in Seattle and explained that Wood is still recovering from the non-invasive procedure. All indications from the Giants suggest the lefty could be back in action within the next two-to-three weeks.
“Every time he goes out there and is playing catch, he’s saying, ‘Hey, this is the right move for me, I feel strong, I feel ready,’ so it’s going to be a bit before he’s on our major league roster,” Kapler said. “He’s doing very well.”
With Wood on the injured list, the Giants will have Kevin Gausman start on Opening Day against the Mariners Thursday, Johnny Cueto pitching Friday and Logan Webb on the mound for Saturday’s series finale. Anthony DeSclafani is likely to start Monday’s game in San Diego against the Padres.
The Giants won’t need a fifth starter until their first homestand, but right-hander Aaron Sanchez will be lined up to pitch Tuesday if he does not appear out of the bullpen this weekend.
Infielder Tommy La Stella (knee contusion) and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski (hand contusion) were both cleared for Opening Day and Kapler expects both to be at full strength after the players were hit by pitches in exhibition games against the Oakland A’s.
The Giants formally announced their Opening Day roster Thursday, which does not include any of the non-roster invitees who received invitations to major league spring training.
The bullpen will feature five lefties –Jake McGee, José Álvarez, Jarlín García, Caleb Baragar and Wandy Peralta– which is likely the biggest group of left-handed relievers on any major league club. Kapler will have three right-handers available in relief as Matt Wisler, Tyler Rogers and Reyes Moronta all made the team.
Buster Posey and Curt Casali will do the catching while La Stella, Evan Longoria, Brandon Crawford, Donovan Solano, Wilmer Flores and Brandon Belt round out one of the oldest infields in the majors.
The Giants list five outfielders on their roster as Yastrzemski, Austin Slater, Alex Dickerson, Mauricio Dubón and Darin Ruf all return from a season ago. Dubón is expected to play primarily in center field while doubling as the Giants’ backup shortstop while Ruf can provide depth at first base if needed.
MLB teams are permitted to travel with five players as part of their taxi squad and the Giants announced right-handed pitchers Trevor Gott and Nick Tropeano, left-handed pitcher Conner Menez, catcher Chadwick Tromp and outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. all joined the team in Seattle. Menez, Tromp and Wade are all active members of the 40-man roster.
Kapler is expected to announce his Opening Day lineup on Thursday afternoon.
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