Jeff Samardzija is likely to begin the upcoming MLB season on the disabled list for the San Francisco Giants, according to a report.
Samardzija has been hit hard in spring training, allowing 17 hits, 15 runs (13 earned) and six home runs over four starts. Giants reporter Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic says Samardzija received an MRI on his shoulder and will likely begin the season on the DL.
Jeff Samardzija got an MRI on his shoulder and is being examined. Pretty clear he will begin thto season on the DL. Significant blow for a Giants rotation already unproven at the back end.
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) March 22, 2018
Although his spring numbers seem alarming, it’s important to keep in mind that this is nothing new for Samardzija. The right-hander has posted an ERA of at least six in each of his past three spring trainings and holds a career 5.96 ERA during spring training. Including this one, ee’s allowed 26 homers in his last four springs.
Baggarly speculates that Derek Holland could temporarily replace Samardzija in the rotation. The Giants have Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, Chris Stratton and Ty Blach as their likely starters.
Samardzija, 33, is coming off a 9-15 season with a 4.42 ERA. He is under contract to earn nearly $60 million over the next three seasons.
