San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman's recovery from an abdominal strain has encountered a setback, extending his absence from the field with no definitive timeline for his return. The injury, initially projected to require a minimum 10-day stint on the injured list, has now kept Chapman sidelined for more than a month.
Chapman provided the update on his condition Saturday from San Diego. He had traveled with the team hoping to be activated from the injured list but confirmed that he would not be returning to the lineup this series. The setback occurred when Chapman attempted to run the bases during his rehabilitation process.
"The plan was for me to try to be ready to play this weekend," Chapman said. "Unfortunately… it’s just not in a place where I can be of help to the team. If I can’t run the bases and I can’t run, it’s gonna be hard for me to help the team."
While Chapman can swing a bat without pain, he continues to experience discomfort when running at full speed and performing certain defensive plays. The abdominal soreness had been an issue since the first month of the season, but it was aggravated on June 30 during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks when he attempted a barehanded play.
Initially, manager Tony Vitello had anticipated Chapman's return before the All-Star break, suggesting a recovery period of less than two weeks. Chapman now estimates his absence could extend from four to eight weeks, depending on healing.
"It can be anywhere from four to six to eight weeks," Chapman stated. "It just depends on how it heals." He clarified that he is not back to "day zero" in his recovery, noting that he has progressed from experiencing pain while walking and getting out of bed to being able to swing, run, and perform other activities.
Despite Chapman's extended absence, the Giants have fallen only two games below .500. The team's status as sellers ahead of the trade deadline had already been determined. Chapman addressed speculation that he might be delaying his recovery to avoid a trade, noting his contractual no-trade clause.
"It doesn’t matter what our record is, we still have something to play for every day," Chapman said. "For me, I mean, I would like to play today. But I can’t."
Chapman's injury, coupled with Casey Schmitt's season-ending torn meniscus, impacts the team's infield depth following the trade deadline. Schmitt had been filling in at third base for Chapman and was also slated to play second base if Luis Arraez was traded. With Arraez sidelined with cramps and Chapman still recovering, the Giants saw Christian Koss at third base and Osleivis Basabe at second base on Saturday.
Schmitt faces a recovery period of six to eight weeks, which will likely keep him out for the remainder of the season but should allow for a healthy offseason. Chapman, who had not spoken to Schmitt since his surgery, believes Schmitt has earned an everyday role on the team. "I think he’s earned himself an everyday position and spot to start every single day, wherever that may be," Chapman said. "He hadn’t put it together for a full season and maybe really shown that he’s an everyday player. But I told him that he should be proud because he solidified himself as an everyday player and somebody this team needs and can count on."