Moronta's season over with labrum injury

September 2nd, 2019

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants’ worst fears about were confirmed Sunday after an MRI exam revealed a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Manager Bruce Bochy said surgery is a possibility for Moronta, who will not pitch again this season.

“It’s not great news,” Bochy said following the Giants’ 8-4 loss to the Padres. “Reyes has a labrum injury. Obviously, he’s going to be out for the year, which is a big blow for us. We’re going to get more tests done, get some more opinions, and we’ll know which way we’re going to go.”

A scary scene unfolded Saturday night after Moronta was forced to depart his outing after throwing only three pitches. The 26-year-old relief ace was summoned to relieve starter Logan Webb with a runner on second base and two outs in a 1-1 game, but he immediately fell to the ground after throwing a 2-0 fastball to Luis Urias, prompting team athletic trainer Anthony Reyes and Bochy to rush out from the dugout.

Moronta appeared to be in significant pain, lying on the ground for a few minutes before walking off the field with Reyes clutching Moronta’s right arm.

Moronta has been a key cog in the Giants' bullpen over the last two seasons and entered Saturday with a 2.86 ERA over 56 2/3 innings. He previously underwent Tommy John surgery in 2013 while pitching for Class A Short-Season Salem-Keizer, but Bochy said the Giants don't believe he's reinjured his right elbow.

“That’s tough,” right-hander Jeff Samardzija said. “He was a big guy for us, kind of like an Andrew Miller-type guy that came in and was a stopper. He could get righties out, lefties out. He pitched all the time. Obviously, we wish him the best and hope he can get healthy.”