Cobb opts for surgery on left hip

2023 All-Star expected to miss at least six months

October 31st, 2023

All-Star right-hander  will undergo left hip surgery to “address his labrum and ongoing impingement issues,” the Giants announced on Monday night. 

The procedure, which will be performed on Tuesday by Dr. Marc Philippon in Vail, Colo., is expected to sideline Cobb for six months, ruling him out for Spring Training and the beginning of the 2024 regular season. 

Cobb dealt with a left hip impingement for much of the second half and ended up being shut down with the injury in late September. He spent the first month of the offseason rehabbing and received multiple treatment therapies, but decided to undergo surgery after seeking out a second opinion from Dr. Philippon, according to the club. 

Despite the setback, the Giants are still likely to pick up Cobb’s $10 million club option for 2024, which includes a $2 million buyout. The 36-year-old veteran has been one of the team's best starters over the last two seasons, and earned his first career All-Star selection in 2023. Cobb finished the season with a 3.87 ERA over 28 starts for San Francisco.

With Cobb expected to open next year on the injured list and Anthony DeSclafani coming off a season-ending right flexor strain, the Giants could prioritize adding another frontline starter to pair with homegrown ace Logan Webb this offseason. 

Left-hander Blake Snell -- the National League Cy Young frontrunner who pitched under new manager Bob Melvin in San Diego each of the past two seasons -- and Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto are among the top options who will be available in free agency.