San Francisco Giants’ Buster Posey (knee) out of lineup vs. New York Mets; Brandon Crawford (again) set to play
NEW YORK – Buster Posey was out of line-up for the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday against New York Metsone Night after quitting a game with a problem in his left knee while Brandon Crawford was asked to play shortstop after a lower back tightness.
Manager Gabe Kapler said both players were encouraged by how they felt in the park on Wednesday.
Posey, 34, was drawn during an 8-0 win over the Mets in the fifth inning Tuesday night after umpire Greg Gibson told Kapler that Posey was out.
Kapler said the seven-time all-star was moving well on Wednesday and planned to test his knee in a catcher squat during punch training. Curt Casali should start one way or the other with the catcher.
“It’s just good news at the moment,” said Kapler. “But obviously these things take turns and turns, so let’s keep an eye on it.”
Posey had a resurgent year after skipping the 2020 season curtailed by the coronavirus when he and his wife adopted premature twin girls. The 2012 National League MVP single and scored in the fourth inning on Tuesday to increase his batting average to .314 with 39 RBIs and a .925 OPS.
Crawford, 34, was scheduled to finish fifth every day after being lifted in the seventh inning. Kapler said Crawford felt some tightness ahead of Tuesday’s game, and with San Francisco blowing New York out, the club got him going.
Crawford hits .300 with 19 homers, 71 RBIs, and a .898 OPS, earning his first all-star nick since 2018.
“We want to face any tightness,” said Kapler, adding that the team has a duty to calm veterans Crawford, Posey, Evan Longoria and Brandon Belt when problems arise.
Belt was back on the line up after his grandmother died Tuesday morning. Belt homered twice on Tuesday and dedicated the hits to his grandmother. Kapler said the funeral was scheduled for Friday and Belt would leave the team to attend.
Right-hander Johnny Cueto was activated by the injured list before the game and is about to start his 20th game. The 35-year-old has been sidelined with a right flexion since August 9th.
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