SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 13: Kevin Gausman #34 of the SF Giants pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Oracle Park on April 13, 2021 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The SF Giants caught many off guard on Tuesday when they announced that ace starting pitcher Kevin Gausman had been placed on the injured list. Top catching prospect Joey Bart was recalled to replace Gausman on the active roster. While many are rightfully concerned, Bay Area News Group Giants beat writer Kerry Crowley speculated that, “Gausman is probably on the COVID IL following a vaccine shot.