Giants shortstop Adames opts for PRP treatment as season ends, while Mayer’s rehab continues
Willy Adames will undergo a platelet-rich plasma injection and a 3-4-week rehab, likely ending his season, and rookie infielder Marcelo Mayer remains in recovery after setbacks.
San Francisco shortstop Willy Adames was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his non-throwing elbow earlier this week. Instead of surgery, he received a platelet-rich plasma injection on Thursday and will follow a rest-and-rehab protocol, according to San Francisco Chronicle reporter Susan Slusser. The expected 3-4-week recovery window makes it unlikely Adames will return before the minor-league season ends on September 20, and his availability for the remainder of the Giants’ campaign is doubtful.
"I’m hoping that I can play in the last week [but] I don’t know how many days we’re going to have. But if I’m not 100 percent, I don’t think I’m going to push it," Adames said.
Adames finished the season with a .230/.289/.424 slash line, 21 home runs in 505 plate appearances and a 0.4 fWAR rating, below expectations for the second year of his seven-year, $182 million contract. He described the year as “disappointing” and said he will focus on adjustments in the offseason.
Meanwhile, former Red Sox prospect Marcelo Mayer, acquired at the trade deadline, has not played since June 25 due to a stress reaction in his left forearm and a recent bone bruise in his right foot that halted a rehab assignment. Giants manager Tony Vitello indicated Mayer is no longer wearing a walking boot and is expected to increase activity over the weekend, though the team could move him to the 60-day injured list if needed.
General manager Zack Minasian explained that reliever Erik Miller, under contract through 2029, was not a primary trade target, leading the Giants to set a high price when the Red Sox expressed interest. Miller’s departure leaves the bullpen with a clear need for additional depth, as San Francisco recorded 21 blown saves compared with 25 saves this season.
"I know as a front office, we don’t feel comfortable obviously resting on what we have. You always want more talent," Minasian said, adding that the club hopes to acquire a “bullpen ace” to solidify late-game situations.