Alex Dickerson’s X-rays were negative

Alex Dickerson has had a wild last few days. The San Francisco Giants placed the hot-hitting outfielder on the Paternity List on Saturday, and on Sunday his wife gave birth to their child.

Dickerson returned to the lineup on Monday, and finished a triple shy of the cycle. But in his final at-bat, with the cycle within reach, Dickerson was plunked on the elbow by a pitch, and looked to be in considerable discomfort.

The left-handed slugger needed an X-ray after the game ended, but thankfully the news was good, as the x-ray came back negative.

That means Dickerson can probably be in the lineup on Tuesday, though if the elbow is sore or swollen the Giants might keep him out for an extra day, especially with a left-handed pitcher on the mound.

Dickerson’s presence is needed as the Giants try to make a playoff push. Mike Yastrzemski is day-to-day with a calf injury, and hasn’t played since Thursday. Austin Slater can bat, but can’t play in the field. Dickerson is one of only four outfielders capable of playing the field right now, unless the Giants decide to put Daniel Robertson or Brandon Belt in the grass.

Beyond that, Dickerson has been one of the Giants best players this season. He’s hitting .290/.365/.565, and is tied with Yastrzemski and Wilmer Flores for the team lead in home runs, with 9.

The Giants need him on the field if they want to make the postseason, and thankfully it looks like that’s where he’ll be.