Tommy La Stella's first season with the Giants didn't go according to plan, and his second season will get off to a slow start after the team announced the infielder underwent left Achilles surgery this past Tuesday.
In a statement released by the team, they said the procedure was performed by Dr. Robert Anderson in Green Bay, WI and that La Stella's recovery time is expected to be four months, meaning he wouldn't return until at least March. The Giants will report to Scottsdale, Ariz. for spring training in February.
The Giants said La Stella is resting at home and will begin physical therapy in a few weeks.
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La Stella battled left Achilles tightness at the end of the 2021 regular season and it bothered him in the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
An All-Star in 2019 with the Los Angeles Angels, La Stella was traded to the Athletics in the middle of the pandemic-shortened 60-game 2020 season, and played a big role in Oakland winning the AL West crown. That led to the Giants signing him to a three-year, $18.75 million contract.
But La Stella got off to a slow start in April, hitting just .219/.286/.313 in the first month before suffering a hamstring strain that kept him out until August. Once he returned, he hit .257/.313/.428 with eight doubles, six homers and 22 RBI in 51 games over the final two months.
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La Stella, who turns 33 in January, likely will be penciled in as the 2022 Opening Day starter at second base. But the Giants could explore short-term options in the event that he isn't ready to start the season.
