Giants 1B LaMonte Wade Jr. leaves game with injury

The SF Giants removed first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. from Saturday night's game against Atlanta with an injury. Wade was in visible discomfort after rounding first base on a single in the top of the seventh inning. Giants manager Gabe Kapler and head trainer Dave Groeschner ran onto the field and, after some back and forth with Wade, removed him from the game. Infielder Casey Schmitt, who was recalled earlier in the day from Triple-A, replaced Wade as a pinch-runner.

Wade has dealt with some minor back issues throughout the season, particularly over the past couple of months. After an excellent start to the season, Wade has struggled to hit for more power recently, although he hit his first homer in two weeks to start Saturday's game. On the season, Wade has hit .259/.385/.414 with 14 doubles, a triple, and 12 home runs on the season. His .799 OPS is easily one of the best marks on the team.

Given the fact that Wade was clearly lobbying to stay in the game, the SF Giants obviously hope he will not have to miss an extended time. There have been several points this season where San Francisco has kept him out of the lineup for a few days to give him time to recover from minor back ailments. With Wilmer Flores crushing opposing pitching, that could be in the cards once again.