SAN FRANCISCO -- When the Giants lost Mike Yastrzemski on Sunday, Joc Pederson slid into the leadoff spot and immediately hit three homers in two games. On Wednesday, the Giants lost Pederson, too.
The team's hottest hitter came out in the top of the fourth inning at Oracle Park after injuring his right groin while running the bases. Pederson was on first when Brandon Belt hit a grounder to the right side that turned into an inning-ending double play. As Pederson approached the bag he ducked down to avoid the throw and appeared to grab at his right groin. He crouched down on the bag as the inning ended and was removed before the next inning.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Pederson has been the Giants' best hitter early on and entered the night with a .347 average and six homers. Signed to a one-year deal in the offseason, he has played in 16 of 19 games.
Gabe Kapler replaced Pederson by inserting Austin Slater in center and shifting Luis González over to right field. If Pederson is out for any length of time, they may have to alter some other plans. LaMonte Wade Jr. played his third rehab game on Wednesday night and was supposed to play at least two more, but he would be one option. The only other outfielder on the 40-man roster is Heliot Ramos, although the Giants have been hesitant to play him too much against right-handers and they'll face three this weekend.
RELATED: Giants claim former Dodgers left-handed pitcher Núñez
The team is off Thursday, a break that's coming at the perfect time for a group that has played 13 games in the last 13 days.
San Francisco Giants
Find the latest San Francisco Giants news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
