SF Giants’ Alex Wood leaves start early with apparent leg injury

MIAMI — If there was one thing the Giants were built to withstand, it was injuries to their deep starting pitching staff. After navigating multiple absences in their lineup through the first two-plus weeks of the season, that roster construction strategy will possibly face its first test.

Left-hander Alex Wood left his start Tuesday against the Marlins early after pulling up gimpy while fielding a sacrifice bunt attempt in the third inning. The Giants later announced that Wood had been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain, though they did specify the severity.

Marlins catcher Jacob Stallings led off the inning with a double, the first hit allowed by Wood, and their No. 9 hitter, Jean Segura, attempted to move him over to third with a bunt attempt that pulled Wood off the mound to the third base side. He cut off third baseman J.D. Davis, fielded the ball and fired to first in time to record the out, but afterward began to grab at his upper right leg.

Alex Wood came out of the game after sustaining an apparent injury on this play pic.twitter.com/dIRzLT2R2R

— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) April 18, 2023

After being checked on by manager Gabe Kapler and head trainer Dave Groeschner, Wood was replaced by right-hander Jakob Junis.

Until the injury, Wood had mostly been cruising. He had required only 33 pitches to complete 2⅓ innings with three strikeouts, a walk and one hit. He was credited with an earned run, after Junis allowed a sac fly by Jon Berti that scored Stallings. It was only the fourth run (second earned) Wood had allowed in 10 innings over his first three starts this year, a 1.80 ERA.

If Wood is required to miss time, there are no shortage of candidates to fill his spot in the rotation.

The most likely option would be right-hander Ross Stripling, whose early season struggles have meant that he has been serving mostly in a swingman capacity with five other starters (including Wood) already on the roster. In the bullpen, they also have Junis and Sean Hjelle who are stretched out and capable of starting if necessary.

While the Giants have said top prospect Kyle Harrison could debut early this season, he likely has more to prove at Triple-A, where he has a 7.50 ERA and 10 walks to seven strikeouts in six innings over his first three starts this season.

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