ATLANTA — Out of the lineup for a second straight game, Luis González was placed on the 10-day injured list before the Giants’ series finale here Thursday against the Braves.
González received an MRI on Thursday that revealed a low back strain, an issue he called a “chronic thing.”
González, who with a .302/.361/.447 batting line has been one of the Giants’ most consistent performers at the plate, was also forced to the IL at Triple-A last season with a similar back injury.
He said he felt the issue pop up this time when he woke up Wednesday morning.
“It’s kind of stiff,” González said. “I woke up, got out of bed and was feeling OK. Then I started moving around and it just stiffened up on me. I did everything I could to loosen it up yesterday and I couldn’t, so today I’m kind of feeling it.”
Donovan Walton, who was already with the team on a taxi-squad basis, was activated to take González’s place on the roster Thursday, but his time on the 26-man might be short-lived.
The Giants must make a decision with outfielder Steven Duggar (left oblique strain) as he reached the 20-day limit on his rehab assignment on Wednesday. They can activate him to the 26-man roster or option him to Triple-A. They can also extend his rehab assignment with the approval of Duggar, who is hitting .204 (10-for-49) with two extra-base hits with Sacramento.
LaMonte Wade Jr. (left knee inflammation) is also nearing a return. He is 3-for-12 with a double and a home run both coming Wednesday night, and, in the words of Kapler, is looking “hitterish.” However, Wade’s previous rehab assignment lasted seven games and drew on past the point he was physically ready to return as he built up confidence in the knee again.
