American baseball player Landen Roupp became the latest symbol of misfortune in a San Francisco Giants season that refuses to offer a break. The 26-year-old right-hander was carted off the field Wednesday night after taking a scorching line drive to the leg during an 8-1 loss to the Padres, a moment that may mark a turning point in the club’s already disappointing year.
Among the most frustrating elements of the Giants’ underwhelming 2025 campaign is how little they’ve been able to blame on health. While many struggling teams unravel due to injuries, San Francisco had at least on the pitching side remained remarkably healthy.
Third baseman Matt Chapman missed time with a hand sprain. Jerar Encarnacion’s season has been defined more by his trips to the IL than his play. Casey Schmitt was hit by a pitch and missed a stretch. But none of it compared to what happened on the mound at Petco Park.
A Season of Setbacks Grows Heavier
Roupp was hit by a 95.7 mph rocket off the bat of Ramón Laureano in the third inning, and after stumbling awkwardly on the mound, collapsed in clear pain. Diagnosed with a sprained left knee, he will undergo an MRI. Manager Bob Melvin said he’ll return to the IL and could miss up to a year if an ACL tear is confirmed.
Promising Year Cut Short?
Roupp had emerged as a key piece of the rotation, going 7-6 with a 3.45 ERA over 21 starts. It was just his second appearance back after missing three weeks with elbow inflammation. Before Wednesday, he had allowed only three homers in his last 13 starts.
Team Reacts to Emotional Moment
“It’s just heartbreaking,” said shortstop Willy Adames. “We finally got him back. Now this. Hopefully it’s not worst-case but it feels like we can’t catch a break.”
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Karan Singh Rathod is a dedicated sports journalist known for his sharp attention to detail and flair for storytelling. With over a year of experience in writing and editorial work, he blends thorough research with compelling narratives to deliver engaging sports content. A passionate follower of football and cricket, he starts his mornings with a newspaper to stay updated with sports, fashion, and current affairs. Outside of journalism, Karan enjoys traveling and discovering new destinations.
