San Francisco Giants Joc Pederson is among several players on the team set to return to the lineup. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

All-Star OF Joc Pederson among host of Giants scheduled to return from IL in coming days

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 8/4/22

Approximately half of the San Francisco Giants normal starting lineup is currently on the injured list. It's little coincidence then, that the group is currently at their low-point in the 2022 campaign at a season-worst three games under .500.

The Giants endured a season-worst seven-game losing streak from July 21 through July 27 before recovering to take three of four from the Chicago Cubs. However, San Francisco has now dropped the first three contests of a crucial four-game set against the rival-Los Angeles Dodgers and they'll be tasked with facing Clayton Kershaw on Thursday.

Fortunately for manager Gabe Kapler's club, there are still nearly two months left in the regular season and it looks like they're about to get significantly healthier on offense.

Brandon Crawford and Joc Pederson will return Saturday. Thairo Estrada is likely back Sunday. Gabe Kapler said there’s a “good chance” Evan Longoria returns during Padres series that starts Monday.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) August 4, 2022

Pederson was recently named an All-Star for the second time in his career and despite his ultimate decision not to attend, the slugger was invited to participate in the Home Run Derby. The outfielder has been sidelined for nearly one week due to a concussion, but he'll return with 17 home runs to his credit this season.

Crawford — who finished fourth in the NL MVP voting in 2021 and was named an All-Star and Gold Glove award winner — has struggled this season to the tune of a career-worst .215/.297/.332 slash line over 247 at-bats. Estrada is second on the team in runs scored (49), hits (82) and leads the Giants in stolen bases with 15.

The 36-year-old Longoria didn't make his season debut until mid-May due to a finger injury and has had multiple stints on the IL this year since then. He is currently recovering from a hamstring strain and has been limited to 148 at-bats this season.

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