La Stella, others could be back soon

PHOENIX — Sure, the trade deadline might bring some interesting new faces to the Giants. Even more helpful, however, could be an influx of players from the injured list — which could happen even before any trade pieces arrive.

Manager Gabe Kapler said that the team could start to see some players back in the lineup in the week or two after the AllStar break begins July 12, with second baseman Tommy La Stella (hamstring, thumb) heading on a rehab assignment during the break and third baseman Evan Longoria (shoulder) targeted for a return the third week of July. Longoria was one of the team’s best players during the Giants’ hot start.

Longoria’s wife, Jamie, delivered their third child this past week, according to a photo on his Instagram account, and he was at Chase Field on Saturday playing catch before the game against the Diamondbacks, though he did not stay long.

Kapler said La Stella continues to wear a splint for the hairline thumb fracture he incurred last week, but he is able to hit and might begin playing catch this weekend.

In addition, first baseman Brandon Belt’s rehab from an unspecified right knee injury “is going very well,” Kapler said, and he’s scheduled to play catch Sunday, while outfielder Mike Tauchman is showing improvement after incurring a right knee sprain Monday. Kapler said he’s not certain Tauchman, who is expected to be out only 10 days to two weeks, will need a rehab assignment.

Logan Webb (shoulder) is scheduled to throw 45 pitches with TripleA Sacramento on Tuesday, and another starter, Aaron Sanchez (biceps, blister), will have a twoinning simulated session Monday. Reliever Reyes Moronta (flexor strain) will throw live batting practice Tuesday.

Webb will be pitching out of the bullpen his next time out and the Giants are preparing him for multiple roles when he returns after the break.

Kapler said the team wants to evaluate the rotation in the meantime to determine its needs.

And should the Giants happen to land another starter via a trade, having Webb accustomed to working out of the bullpen will be even more handy.

AllStar announcement:

The AllStar pitchers and reserves will be announced Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and the Giants are almost certainly assured to have two more players, shortstop Brandon Crawford and starter Kevin Gausman, joining starter catcher Buster Posey for the game in Denver.

Kapler likes reliever Tyler Rogers as a possibility, and pitching coach Andrew Bailey said he thinks starter Anthony DeSclafani is also worthy of strong consideration.