Giants may have to shut down Willy Adames for remainder of their lost season

Willy Adames, who prides himself on playing every day, might not be in the San Francisco Giants‘ lineup the rest of the way.

San Francisco’s shortstop was scheduled for a platelet-rich plasma injection Thursday evening for his left elbow strain, followed by rest. According to the Giants the estimated recovery time is three to four weeks. With a month left in the season, that makes Adames’ return to action in 2026 iffy, especially with no minor-league teams in action at that point for a rehab assignment. 

“I don’t know how reasonable or realistic that is,” manager Tony Vitello said of Adames potentially playing again this season. Adames missed just two games with the Giants last year and one with Milwaukee the year before that.

Considering Adames’ season-long struggle with back issues, it might make even less sense to rush his return, and the Giants aren’t contending. Getting a look at younger players is among the current priorities. While Vitello said that Adames could get some DH at-bats, he noted that other players need those at-bats – notably Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge. The good news is that it appears Adames will not need surgery, and it’s his non-throwing arm.

“You hate to jump to conclusions, but for now that’s been ruled out,” Vitello said.

Adames saw orthopedist Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas for a second opinion. Catcher/utility man Jesús Rodríguez is scheduled to see Meister after a setback during his return from elbow neuritis. Starter Adrian Houser, also diagnosed with an elbow strain this week, could return this season; he’s not throwing for a few days and will be reexamined.

Infielder Buddy Kennedy, batting .116 on the season in 49 plate appearances, was designated for assignment to make room for Eldridge to come off the bereavement list. Kennedy’s numbers weren’t where he or the team wanted them to be, but the Giants, who acquired him twice this year, think highly of the 27-year-old infielder.

“Buddy was kind of the inside man,” Vitello said. “He was probably involved day-to-day more than anybody with the younger guys and I think was a huge help.”

Vitello said that Kennedy, rather than being sour at the news, went and asked various coaches, including Ron Washington, for ways he can continue to get better.

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This article originally published at Giants may have to shut down Willy Adames for remainder of their lost season.