Giants first baseman Brandon Belt underwent surgery to remove a bone spur from his right heel last week, the team announced to reporters (including Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle). The team did not provide a timetable for his recovery, Schulman adds.
Belt’s 2020 debut was delayed by a right heel issue, as he opened the season on the injured list due to Achilles tendonitis. It didn’t seem to affect him when he returned, though. Belt hit a superlative .309/.425/.591 with nine home runs in 179 plate appearances, helping the Giants stay in playoff contention until the season’s final day.
The 32-year-old Belt will make $16MM in 2021, the final year of his contract. Assuming he’s healthy, he’ll likely be the primary option at first base for manager Gabe Kapler. The Giants do have Darin Ruf on hand as insurance, though, and may choose to incorporate Buster Posey somewhat frequently there as well.