San Francisco Giants: Madison Bumgarner Heads to 10-Day DL After Biking Accident

Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner (left) celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks during opening day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner (left) celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks during opening day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in his career, San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner heads to the disabled list after a dirt biking accident.

Seemingly the only thing more frustrating than 1.75 runs in support is hitting the disabled list. Both are now a reality for Madison Bumgarner, whose dirt biking accident on April 20 resulted in bruised ribs and a low-level left shoulder sprain.


According to Ken Rosenthal, Bumgarner took a tumble during a dirt bike excursion in Colorado on the team’s off day. After a trip to the hospital revealed “a grade one or two left shoulder AC sprain”, Bumgarner returned to the Giants hotel to rest and will be reevaluated next week.

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While there is no such thing as a perfect injury, Bumgarner’s accident was relatively well-timed, coming off of his last start the previous day. If his time on the disabled list lasts no more than 10 days, he should be back in action after missing one start. Though, there has been a rumored 6-8 week timetable for his return out there, but that number is not coming from the Giants and is by no means official.

In the mean time, perhaps the Giants offense can find their swing to finally bring their ace his first win of the season. Thus far, the Giants have given Bumgarner five runs in support through four starts, two of which he provided for himself.

This lack of offense resulted in Bumgarner miserable 0-3 record, despite a dazzling 3.00 ERA and 28 strikeouts through 27 innings pitched. With Bumgarner headed to the disabled list, Chris Stratton has been

called up

from Triple-A, though it will be left-hander Ty Blach taking Bumgarner’s spot in the rotation. Stratton is San Francisco’s number 21 prospect according to Baseball America.

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Looks like dirt biking will join Jeff Kent and car washing on the list of bizarre injuries to take down key players in Giants history.