Yastrzemski is closer to returning

ARLINGTON, Texas — Just as the Giants put yet another outfielder on the injured list, they’re edging closer to getting their right fielder back.

Mike Yastrzemski said on the field before Wednesday’s game at Texas that he believes he’s on track to return on or about when he’s eligible to do so, which is Saturday. Yastrzemski, who has been out for a week with a right thumb sprain, took batting practice at Globe Life Park, and he’d made manager Gabe Kapler’s day Tuesday with a hearty handshake.

“He’d said the other day that he’d wanted to shake my hand and I went out for a fist bump on my left hand,” Yastrzemski said. “He said, ‘I just can’t wait ’til I can give you a good firm handshake.’ And so I gave him one yesterday and he liked that.”

Yastrzemski can play catch without issues, but said the thumb needs to be at full strength and painfree to hit. “Just making sure it doesn’t flare up. Fingers and knuckles can be really finicky,” Yastrzemski said.

Alex Dickerson landed on the IL with an upper back

strain; he felt the issue on a swing in the first inning Tuesday and he has a history of back issues. The Giants are expecting to see a lot of righthanded starters at Washington, so they need healthy lefthanded hitters.

“It felt like it made sense to get him the rest he needs to be strong and healthy going forward,” Kapler said. “I don’t anticipate this being a long, long stint.”

The Giants have 15 men on their IL, including outfielders Darin Ruf, Dickerson and Yastrzemski.

Wisler let go: The Giants designated reliever Matt Wisler for assignment after the slider specialist ran up an ERA of 6.05 ERA. In his past five innings, he’d allowed seven hits, two walks and three runs.

“There was just some contact at more unfortunate times. It was just kind of tough for him to get out from underneath,” Kapler said. “But ultimately, I think he understands that this game is about performance, and we have a lot of competition for every roster spot.”