Casey Schmitt was in the middle of a breakout season when it all came to a sudden stop. Speaking publicly for the first time since tearing his meniscus on July 27, the San Francisco Giants infielder was visibly emotional addressing reporters in the clubhouse before Friday’s game.
Schmitt underwent successful surgery last Friday and has already progressed past crutches, sitting on day three of rehab as of this week.
Schmitt Reflects on a Season Cut Short
GettyCasey Schmitt of the San Francisco Giants.
Schmitt was candid about the disappointment of losing his season at its peak.
“It sucks, but sometimes it’s just how things go,” Schmitt said.
He was in the middle of a genuine career year before the injury, batting .271/.301/.483 with 21 home runs and 55 RBIs across 98 games. Schmitt pointed to his consistency and daily effort as the part of the season he’s proudest of, particularly given the questions that surrounded whether he could produce at this level entering the year.
Schmitt also addressed the injury directly in a message posted to Instagram, expressing gratitude for the support he’s received while framing the setback as part of a longer journey rather than a defining moment.
“This isn’t how we drew it up, but it is what it is, just a little bump in the road,” Schmitt wrote.
He added that the surgery was successful and that his focus has shifted entirely to recovery and getting back on the field.
What’s Next for Schmitt and the Giants
Schmitt acknowledged this isn’t the kind of injury worth rushing back from. But he said he’s found some perspective in the idea of a genuinely healthy offseason ahead, one without needing to carefully manage the workload on his knee.
“That’s probably the main thing to take out of this whole thing,” Schmitt said.
He was relieved the injury turned out to be a torn meniscus rather than the ACL tear initially feared. If he doesn’t make it back this season, Schmitt said he’ll simply have a normal offseason to build off what he already accomplished. He added that he feels confident about carrying this year’s progress into next season.
Chapman Facing Surgery of His Own
GettyMatt Chapman of the San Francisco Giants.
Schmitt wasn’t the only Giants infielder dealing with a season-altering injury this week. Third baseman Matt Chapman said he’s likely headed for surgery Tuesday to address a hernia and core muscle tear, pending a Monday visit with Dr. William Meyers in Philadelphia. Manager Tony Vitello described surgery as more likely than not.
Chapman had spent five weeks trying to play through the issue without improvement.
“I think I’m just disappointed right now for the most part,” Chapman said.
He played in 84 games this season before landing on the injured list July 1, hitting .235/.324/.368 with seven home runs and 42 RBIs.
Harris Gets the Call to the Majors
Amid the injury news, San Francisco called up right-hander Trent Harris on Friday, optioning Tristan Beck to Triple-A Sacramento to make room. Harris is the organization’s No. 11 prospect according to MLB.com. He learned of his promotion Wednesday when his Triple-A manager called him into the office.
“I’ve been chasing it for a long time,” Harris said.
The 27-year-old went undrafted out of UNC Pembroke in 2023. He climbed quickly through San Francisco’s farm system, reaching Triple-A by his second full professional season. This year, he posted a 3.12 ERA with 52 strikeouts across 40 1/3 innings in 29 appearances with Sacramento. That’s a significant jump from a 5.44 ERA at the same level last season. Harris credited improved mechanics and rediscovering his mid-90s fastball for the turnaround.
Final Word for the Giants
San Francisco’s roster keeps getting more complicated by the week, with two established veterans now facing extended absences at the same time a promising young arm gets his first shot in the majors. Schmitt’s emotional message captured the moment well.
A breakout season paused, not erased.
Bump in the road.
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