Tommy La Stella Era over for San Francisco Giants

Tommy La Stella was supposed to be the answer for the San Francisco Giants at the keystone. That was not the case over the past two seasons as injuries hampered his ability on the diamond.

On Wednesday, the Giants decided that they cannot wait for him to return to health any longer. According to Alex Pavlovic from NBC Sports, the Giants have designated La Stella for assignment to open a roster spot for Taylor Rogers.

San Francisco Giants hopes for Tommy La Stella came to naught

After spending years as a utility man, La Stella had seemingly proven that he could be an every day option at second base. An All Star in 2019, he had posted a 121 OPS+ with 21 homers and 22 doubles over his 549 plate appearances between 2019 and 2020. Although he fractured his tibia fouling off a pitch in that first season, La Stella showed the ability to be a valuable piece.

That is what the Giants thought as well as they signed him to a three year deal worth $18.75 million. His contract appeared to be a potential bargain as La Stella was a versatile defensive player with solid pop in his bat. He was expected to be a part of the Giants’ resurgence in the standings.

Instead, La Stella battled injuries that kept him from living up to expectations. He posted a .245/.297/.380 batting line in his 437 plate appearances in San Francisco, hitting nine homers and 25 doubles. Along the way, La Stella suffered Achilles, back, and neck issues, limiting the pop in his bat.

As the Giants will be on the hook for his $11.5 million salary next season, it would not be a surprise to see a team give him a chance to return to form. Even if he is not penciled in as the primary second baseman, his experience at first and third could make him a useful bench option if he is healthy. That has been the biggest question over the past two seasons.

The San Francisco Giants have cut bait on Tommy La Stella. He was never able to be the piece they anticipated as injuries ruined his tenure in San Francisco.