Giants' Sandoval (hamstring) out for year; Cueto has Tommy John surgery

[August 03, 2018]  An MRI exam revealed that San Francisco Giants infielder Pablo Sandoval needs surgery on his right hamstring, the club announced Thursday -- the same day that right-hander Johnny Cueto underwent Tommy John surgery.

Manager Bruce Bochy told reporters in Phoenix that Sandoval, who went on the 10-day disabled list Monday, will have a season-ending operation next week.

Sandoval sustained the injury sliding awkwardly into home on a sacrifice fly during Sunday's game. The team initially called it a hamstring strain, but an MRI showed the damage to be much worse.

"It's a pretty good tear," Bochy said. "You'd never think a hamstring could keep him out over two months, but when it's this bad, it can."

Sandoval, who turns 32 on Aug. 11, batted .248 with nine homers and 40 RBIs in 92 games this year while playing various spots in the infield, primarily at first base and third base.

"They all hurt, but Pablo was so valuable in all the roles that he had this season," Bochy said. "He did a really nice job defensively. He was a big part of this offense. When he wasn't playing, he was our pinch hitter. He played second. This guy did everything, pitched. He was our third catcher. This is a tough one to overcome."

The team announced Wednesday that Cueto, 32, would have Tommy John surgery on Thursday after the right-hander went back on the disabled list earlier this week with a damaged ulnar collateral ligament. Thursday's surgery was deemed successful.

"It sounds like all went well, so now it's going to be 12-14 months, as far as his rehab," Bochy said.

Giants infielder Pablo Sandoval (48) reacts after hitting a foul ball during the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kiel Maddox-USA TODAY Sports

Cueto returned in early July after missing more than two months because of elbow pain. During that time the Giants feared he might have a torn UCL, so they had him examined by Dr. James Andrews. The prognosis was that no surgery was needed, and Cueto instead was told to rest his elbow.

However, the results were not good after his return. Cueto was 3-0 with an 0.84 ERA in five starts before going to the DL, but 0-2 with a 6.86 ERA in four starts afterward.

Bochy also told reporters Thursday that first baseman Brandon Belt could be out 10-14 more days with a hyperextended right knee.

Giants right-handers Jeff Samardzija (right shoulder inflammation) and Hunter Strickland (right hand fracture) each threw 20-pitch sessions on Thursday and are making progress. Bochy said Strickland should be ready to return not long after he's eligible to come off the 60-day DL in Aug. 18.

--Field Level Media

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