SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants thought Austin Slater's season was over when he tore his groin on July 8. This time, it really is over.
Slater had surgery this week to repair a sports hernia and he will miss six to eight weeks. That adds some uncertainty to his offseason, as he was supposed to get additional at-bats in the Dominican Winter League. It's unclear if Slater will return in time to play winter ball, but this certainly is a blow as he works to put himself in position to win a job next spring.
Slater finished his rookie season with a .282 average and three homers. He had a .740 OPS. Slater originally missed 52 games with the groin strain.
The news was much better for another injured Giant. First baseman Brandon Belt took BP with the team for the first time since getting hit by a curveball in early August and suffering a concussion. Belt's season has been over for several weeks, but he will have a normal and healthy offseason.
