Drew Smyly exits game with apparent finger issue

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Drew Smyly left Saturday’s game against the Texas Rangers in the fifth inning with an apparent finger injury. The lefty called for the trainers to come look at him in the middle of the inning, and after throwing a few practice pitches everyone seemed to agree that he needed to come out of the game.

The veteran did not show much discomfort or disappointment, so it seems likely that it may just be a blister. If that’s the case, he could return for his next start. Otherwise he’ll likely head to the 10-day Injured List.

Update: The team is officially calling it index finger discomfort.

It cost Smyly a chance to become the first Giants starting pitcher to record a win this year. No starter has made it through five innings for San Francisco, but Smyly appeared on pace. Through 4-plus innings he’d allowed 3 hits, 2 walks, and struck out 7 on 71 pitches. He gave up 2 earned runs, but poor defense and umpiring were as much, if not more to blame.

Shaun Anderson came into the game to replace him.

Hopefully the injury is minor, and Smyly can get back out on the mound soon. He’s looked pretty good so far this year, and the Giants don’t have another left-handed starting pitcher on the roster. If he does have to hit the Injured List, the most likely candidate to replace him would be fellow lefty Andrew Suarez, who was named to the team’s three-man taxi squad for their only road trip of the season against the Los Angeles Dodgers.