The Giants game today conversation has shifted from lineup notes to a much bigger injury concern. Rookie right-hander Trevor McDonald was diagnosed with a moderate UCL sprain in his right elbow after an MRI on Friday afternoon, and the team said he will get a second opinion before the next step is determined.
McDonald was injured in an outing against the Kansas City Royals on Monday and left after 67 pitches. He had been part of the Giants' starting rotation this season, and the timing makes the diagnosis especially significant because there is still plenty of season left, but not enough to absorb a long absence easily.
What the injury means
According to Tony Vitello, McDonald is going to miss some time and the second opinion should help clarify the best path forward. Vitello also said McDonald is really frustrated and that there has been a pattern of discomfort interrupting his momentum. In his words, pain is probably more of a keyword here.
The obvious concern is Tommy John surgery, which would end McDonald’s season and could keep him out for most of, if not all of, the 2027 season. That is the worst-case scenario, but even without surgery, a moderate UCL sprain usually points to a meaningful shutdown period.
Why this matters for the Giants
McDonald’s loss would remove a rookie starter who had already shown some useful flashes. He pitched seven innings of one-run ball on July 12, and while his overall numbers were uneven, the Giants have been leaning on him in the rotation. For a team trying to manage innings and stay competitive, that is not a small development.
The injury update also comes at a time when the Giants are juggling other health issues. Harrison Bader has been out since late May because of left plantar fasciitis, and he is scheduled to see a foot and ankle specialist in Indianapolis on Monday. Bader signed a two-year, $20.5 million deal in the offseason but has played only 30 games since then.
Other Giants roster notes
There is at least some movement on the prospect side. The Giants are also promoting teenage shortstop prospects Josuar Gonzalez and Luis Hernandez to Single-A San Jose. Gonzalez and Hernandez are both still very young, with one 18-year-old and one 17-year-old in the group, and the move gives them a new challenge as they continue their development.
For now, the focus remains on McDonald. The second opinion should give the Giants a clearer sense of whether he can return this season or whether the club has to prepare for a much longer absence.
