Giants’ Postseason Hopes Shattered as Crucial Clubhouse Weapon Ruled Out Until 2027

Well, the MLB playoff push is heating up, and the NL Wild Card race is getting tighter by the day. If you remember, the Giants (66-68) stumbled right after the All-Star break but have bounced back with five straight wins. And currently they’re still seven games out of a playoff spot with just 29 left to play, but star third baseman Matt Chapman isn’t ruling anything out.

“Nothing’s impossible,” he said. “But I think we just are focused on tomorrow.”

Notably, one of the biggest reasons behind the Giants’ recent surge has been their pitching staff. The offense hasn’t exactly been lighting it up, as they’re sitting 28th in batting average at .233.

But the arms have carried them, ranking 6th in ERA at 3.70. And leading the charge has been young pitcher Randy Rodriguez, who’s put together a stellar season with a 1.78 ERA, the best on the staff among pitchers with at least 30 appearances. So, naturally, expectations were high that he could help push San Francisco into October.

But then came the gut punch: MLB insider Alex Pavlovic reported that Rodriguez may need Tommy John surgery. “Randy Rodriguez will make a final decision this weekend, but it seems inevitable. Brutal news for the breakout star of this season, and it would keep him out all of 2026. Giants’ bullpen will have to be rebuilt in the offseason.”

Randy Rodriguez will make a final decision this weekend, but it seems inevitable. Brutal news for the breakout star of this season, and it would keep him out all of 2026. Giants bullpen will have to be rebuilt in the offseason. https://t.co/ugIVtK1mul

— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) August 29, 2025

Well, elbow issues are always worrisome in baseball, especially for pitchers who can hit triple digits. And the Giants have been keeping a close eye on Rodriguez all season with his occasional absences. When he landed on the IL with elbow inflammation this month, there was already plenty of concern. And amid this, the team confirmed the fears on Friday.

Reportedly, doctors have recommended Tommy John surgery for their All-Star closer. So, now if he goes under the knife, Rodriguez would likely be sidelined for 12 to 18 months. While some pitchers have come back in under a year, that’s not the typical path. And in all likelihood, the Giants won’t have him on the mound next season, with a realistic target being the start of the 2027 campaign!

Check this space to know more about the options the Giants now have to get over Rodriguez’s impact…

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