What to expect at MLB trade deadline
USAT’s Bob Nightengale gives insight on possibilities to expect before this year’s MLB trade deadline on August 3rd.
Sports Pulse
San Francisco Giants outfielder Harrison Bader has not had the type of season he probably hoped for entering 2026.
The 32-year-old center fielder has been shut down for the rest of the season as he deals with plantar fasciitis in his left foot.
Bader initially suffered the injury in a 8-6 loss against the Colorado Rockies on May 29. He was placed on the 10-day injured list and has not played another game for the team since.
He also dealt with a hamstring injury earlier in the season. Bader appeared in only 30 games these season, posting a .170 batting average, 14 RBIs and five home runs.
Bader experienced a setback, re-injuring his foot following a late night, early morning scooter crash that further complicated his recovery to the existing foot injury. He was due to travel to Indianapolis to see a specialist for his plantar fasciitis, however the exam could not proceed after the crash.
The accident caused a delay in his treatment, adding another fire for the Giants front office to put out.
Giants first-year manager Tony Vitello told reporters that the front office would sort through Bader’s late-night incident. San Francisco’s brass determined it was a violation that caused for a suspension in pay, according to club president Buster Posey.
Posey announced Friday that Bader would have a portion his wages withheld.
“Over the weekend, Harrison Bader was involved in an accident that has delayed prior treatment timeline for plantar fasciitis and, unfortunately, his return to the field,” Posey said in a statement released by the club. “We are still investigating the circumstances of the accident, but will be suspending payment to Harrison until he is able to resume performing services for the club.”
It appears the Giants are operating under the premise that Bader’s late-night scooter accident put him in violation of the uniform player contract, which typically prohibits players from partaking in activities that can lead to injury.
According to the San Francisco Police Department, they responded to an incident involving a motorized scooter and another vehicle in the Marina District shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday morning.
Although the motorized scooter is a common mode of transportation for many ballplayers who live near stadiums, it seems Bader’s existing injury gave the Giants a reason to suspend his pay.
Bader joined San Francisco during the offseason after signing a two-year, $20.5 million contract on Jan. 30, 2026. He received a $6 million signing bonus and is being paid $4.5 million this season. He is due roughly $1.48 million for the remainder of the year, and will be owed $10 million next season, too.