Giants Anthony DeSclafani's Season-Ending Ankle Injury Similar to Schilling's Injury During 'Bloody Sock' Game

After just five starts for the San Francisco Giants, pitcher Anthony DeSclafani’s season is already over. The 32-year-old will be sidelined for the remainder of the season after ankle surgery.

With a recovery timeline of four-to-five months, DeSclafani is expected to make a full recovery in time for next season.

DeSclafani’s ankle injury is similar to the one pitcher Curt Schilling dealt with during the famous “Bloody Sock” game against the Yankees in the American League Championship Series in 2004. 

Our Pro Baseball Docs said both pitchers suffered from tendons on the outside of their ankles falling out of place and snapping. 

In Schilling’s case where he was able to pitch through the injury and help the Red Sox win the 2004 World Series, the doctor sutured the tendon out of place to prevent it from snapping and bothering Schilling as he pitched.

“Holding it out of place to get rid of the snapping situation allowed him to pitch, but you cannot do that for a season,” Dr. David Chao said. 

The Giants’ pitcher has been plagued by ankle issues all season. DeSclafani wound up on the 60-day injury list in April because of ankle inflammation. He briefly returned to the rotation on June 21 for two lackluster performances. 

He was then placed on the injury list again before electing for surgery. DeSclafani finished the year with a 9.95 ERA, 35 hits, 21 earned runs and 17 strikeouts, just after signing a three-year, $36 million deal this past off season.

Though the Giants are currently vying for the National League wild card spot, DeSclafani will not be able to return even if his team makes a deep playoff run.