These two players were once offensive catalysts for SF Giants but haven’t been the same since overlooked injuries

LaMonte Wade Jr. and J.D. Davis never hit the IL have combined for a .631 OPS since mid-June ailments vs. .841 before

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — It’s that time of year, Alex Cobb said Saturday night after the Giants’ sixth loss in their last seven games.

“It’s August,” he explained. “Everyone is attempting to get a second wind and sprint to the finish line.”

The Giants, more than most, are looking for a second wind as their offensive slump approaches two months and their grip on a postseason spot loosens.

They are still recovering from a two-week period in the middle of June.

As they reeled off win after win during their hottest stretch of the season — a 10-game streak that took their record to 42-32 — more players than just Mitch Haniger were injured, contributing to their current offensive derailment.

Haniger only recently resumed hitting after breaking his forearm on a hit-by-pitch in St. Louis on June 13. During the two-week stretch, John Brebbia, who began throwing bullpens this week, Luke Jackson, and Wilmer Flores were all injured.

Don’t forget about the players who avoided the IL.

J.D. Davis suffered a Grade 1 sprain in his ankle after an unfortunate slide into third base in St. Louis, which he said lasted a month.

Just a few days later, LaMonte Wade Jr.’s side/back tightness flared up for the first time, causing him to miss multiple games off the bench.

Wade, who continues to have daily treatment on his midsection and wraps it in athletic tape, said he wasn’t looking for excuses.

“I just think it’s going to be a long season,” he said. “With the way the offense is going, I don’t think anyone will make excuses and say it’s because of health.” However, health is always a consideration. “I believe we’re just one good offensive game away from regaining and maintaining our momentum.”

Davis explained that, while the ankle affected his base running, his struggles at the plate were caused by a combination of factors.

“On a scale of 1-10, it was probably like a 5-6 for about two weeks and then it came down to a 1-2, where it wasn’t bothering me that much, just certain movements,” he explained. “I don’t know what to tell you, (expletive), it has to do with more.” It had something to do with running into some tough pitching. A stroke of bad luck. Because of that good fortune, I tried a little too hard. And, on top of that, dealing with fatigue and travel, not that there are any excuses or anything.”

However, the statistics are clear.

The corner infield duo was playing so well that they each earned consideration as potential first-time All-Stars, their surprise seasons carrying the Giants’ offense as much as anyone else in the first two months of the season.

Davis was batting.286 with an OPS of.846 when he sprained his ankle on June 13. Wade was hitting.280 with an.870 OPS and a.415 on-base percentage that ranked among the best in the majors when he was scratched on June 20 due to side tightness.

Prior to the injury, they were averaging a home run every 23.7 at-bats, compared to one every 31.9 after.

Davis has batted in 44 games since then.188 with a.571 OPS; batting in 33 games for Wade.238 with a.671 OPS and a more modest.345 OBP.

“I think any time a player is feeling a little banged up, it’s going to compromise how good they can be on the field,” said manager Gabe Kapler. “If you look back to last year and previous years with Brandon Belt, he wasn’t the best version of himself if he wasn’t feeling great.” You could probably say the same thing about (Brandon Crawford) over the last few years.”

Wade, in particular, understands how dangerous health issues can be. After injuring his knee in spring training, he never felt right last season.

While the back/side tightness persists, he claims it hasn’t affected him to the same extent.

“I think it’s night and day different,” Wade said. “The other stuff is just lingering stuff, season wear and tear.” “I’m not concerned.”

As Kapler pointed out, the toll of a 162-game season is felt by all 30 teams.

But not everyone can do it while facing a schedule that includes the Tampa Bay Rays (71-48), Philadelphia Phillies (65-53) and Atlanta Braves (75-41) — all twice.

Their recent slump has put their postseason standing in jeopardy, as they trail the Phillies by 312 games and have only a 112-game lead over the Cubs, Marlins, and Reds in the wild card race.

“If we have this group out there for the rest of the season, we’re going to score a lot of runs,” Kapler predicted. “Michael Conforto will have a good stretch; Joc Pederson will have one; (Mike Yastrzemski) will have one; and (Austin Slater) will come back around against left-handed pitching.”

“All of that stuff is going to happen if we can stay healthy and on the field.” That’s the best way for us to win the last six or seven weeks of the season.”