Following heavy usage, SF Giants’ Winn hits injured list with elbow strain

SAN FRANCISCO — Following heavy usage in recent days, right-hander Keaton Winn is headed to the 15-day injured list with a right elbow strain.

Winn’s stint on the injured list is retroactive to June 11. Right-hander Tristan Beck has been called up to take Winn’s roster spot.

“He was sore yesterday playing catch,” said manager Tony Vitello. “I know he’s frustrated because he wants to go, but the pitching guys were down there with him when he was playing catch and had him see the trainers. So, probably best for him to get a reset here.”

Vitello said he doesn’t think Winn’s injury is “anything too crazy” when asked about the severity of the strain, adding that he believes Winn won’t throw for “a handful of days at the most.” Winn underwent an MRI, per Vitello.

“I think he’s in a fairly good spot,” Vitello said. “Like I said, more than anything, mentally, he’s a little frustrated. He wants to be out there.”

Vitello had leaned on Winn in recent games, calling on the 28-year-old right-hander for three straight games on Saturday (six batters, 22 pitches), Sunday (five batters, 19 pitches) and Monday (six batters, 22 pitches).

Winn blew a save on Monday, his third straight game on the mound, by allowing three runs to the Nationals in the top of the ninth. The righty also recorded a five-out save against the Brewers on June 3.

That usage is heavy for any reliever but especially Winn, who has dealt with elbow issues in the past. Winn missed the 2021 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, then underwent season-ending ulnar nerve transposition surgery in his right elbow in July 2024.

When Vitello was asked if he had handled Monday differently considering Winn’s recent usage and injury history, Vitello responded, “I think more than anything, we just wish we would’ve done anything different to win the game.”

“So, anything we got a guy that’s available down there, it means he’s available to go and feels good to go,” Vitello continued. “There’s been days where he’s come in the office and said he’s not available and doesn’t feel his best so we’ve stayed away from him. But, like I said, anything from that game as far as memories go — or playing Monday morning quarterback — is would’ve liked to have done something different to win the game.”

It’s not uncommon for relievers to communicate if they’re unavailable for a game due to usage, but Vitello noted that Winn didn’t say he couldn’t pitch on Monday.

“Anytime we get to the meeting where we talk about who’s going to pitch and what scenarios and all that, that was what we had talked about at the end of the game: If we get to him, that’s who we’re going to use,” Vitello said. “So, anytime we go through that scenario deal where we kind of play pop quiz, it’s who’s available and who’s not.”

Vitello added, “He’s had days where he hasn’t felt great and days where he’s slower to bounce back. He went out there and threw yesterday. He just doesn’t feel like he’s bounced back the way that he needs to in order to (pitch).”

Worth noting

Third baseman Matt Chapman is slated to hit leadoff, the fourth time in his career that he’s started a game batting first. The last time Chapman started a game in the leadoff spot was Sept. 4, 2022 with the Toronto Blue Jays.