Giants injury news: Joe Panik to the 15-day DL

The Giants had to make an unfortunate move today as they put Joe Panik, their All-Star second baseman, on the 15-day DL due to lower back inflammation. He began experiencing issues on July 28th, and he was held out of game action for two days in hopes that it would be as simple as getting some extra rest, however that's clearly not the case.

He tried to play through the discomfort, and went 3-9 with two doubles and one RBI against Texas, but the Giants ultimately decided to shut him down rather than risk further injury. To fill the vacated roster spot, San Francisco purchased the contract of 25-year old AAA infielder Kelby Tomlinson.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tomlinson, 25, was in big league camp. Hitting .321 in minors with 19 2B, 4 3B, 3 HR, 21 SB. He&#39;s one of fastest players in organization.</p>&mdash; Alex Pavlovic (@AlexPavlovic) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexPavlovic/status/628285366424875008">August 3, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It's unclear how much playing time Tomlinson will receive, but regardless, the Giants now have a large hole to fill at second base. Ehire Adrianza would appear to be in line to be the everyday starter for the immediate future, but he's never proven to be of any offensive value in his 152 PA's at the major league level.

He's a career .214/.255/.293 hitter, with a .242 wOBA, and a wRC+ of just 56. It would seem to be a fair assumption that Tomlinson will at least get his opportunities to prove himself capable at the plate, as he can't be that much worse than Adrianza.

San Francisco could ultimately wind up combing the waiver wire if Panik's injury winds up being more serious than they think, and Chase Utley might be of interest if it comes to that. However that's a conversation that likely hasn't happened yet, and won't unless Panik's back shows no signs of improvement over the next week. For now, they'll just have to hope that his DL stint is a short stay, and will look for the rest of the offense to pick up the slack.