Giants’ Landen Roupp Carted Off After Scary Line Drive Incident
By Oliver Wiener August 23, 2025 16:08
San Francisco Giants right-hander Landen Roupp was carted off the field during Wednesday night’s game against the San Diego Padres following a frightening incident in the third inning. Roupp was struck by a 95.7 mph line drive off the bat of Ramón Laureano, resulting in a painful injury that left fans and teammates holding their breath.
The ball made contact on the back of Roupp’s right thigh, a hit forceful enough to spin the pitcher around. As Roupp tried to regain his balance and field the ball, his left knee buckled awkwardly beneath him, causing him to collapse face-first onto the infield grass at Petco Park. After attempting to sit up, he was checked by medical staff and eventually carried off the field on a cart, limping and wearing a large brace on his left knee.
Giants manager Bob Melvin described the incident as “scary for a second,” explaining that while the line drive directly hit Roupp’s leg, the more severe injury appeared to occur when he tried to move and his knee gave out. “The ball hit him in the back of the leg, I think,” Melvin said. “It was when he caught himself and then when he had to go for the ball again. I don’t know if he hyperextended it; it was scary for a second”.
This was Roupp’s 22nd start of the 2025 season and his second since returning from a three-week stint on the injured list due to right elbow inflammation. Before this unfortunate event, Roupp had been having a solid campaign, carrying a 7-7 record with a respectable 3.80 ERA over 106 2/3 innings pitched. In his last 13 starts prior to this game, he had only allowed three home runs, showcasing improved command and resilience in the Giants’ rotation.
During the game, Roupp struggled and gave up five runs on five hits while walking two batters and striking out two over just 2 1/3 innings. His early exit proved costly, as reliever Joey Lucchesi surrendered a three-run home run to Gavin Sheets shortly after entering the game, expanding the Padres’ lead and compounding the Giants’ difficulties that night as they fell 8-1.
Following the incident, the Giants announced that Roupp would undergo an MRI examination to assess the extent of the left knee injury. Initial diagnoses indicate a sprain and inflammation, and while the team remains hopeful that surgery can be avoided, they acknowledge that further evaluations will guide the next steps. Roupp was placed on the 15-day injured list as a precautionary measure to allow for rest and treatment.
At 26 years old, Roupp is making his first full season with the Giants rotation, and his health is pivotal as San Francisco contends in a competitive National League West division. The team promptly called up left-handed pitcher Carson Whisenhunt from Triple-A Sacramento to fill Roupp’s roster spot. Whisenhunt, 24, has posted a 1-1 record with a 5.19 ERA in three starts for the Giants this year but has shown promise with a solid minor league track record.
Manager Melvin expressed cautious optimism but emphasized the uncertainty that remains. “We’re hopeful it’s just a bruise and inflammation. It’s probably going to take some time, but hopefully not too long,” he said ahead of Friday’s game. “Landen’s tough and competitive — he’ll do everything he can to get back quickly”.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks pitchers face. The velocity of line drives often leaves little reaction time, and players frequently endure painful, career-altering moments. Roupp’s injury was particularly alarming because of the suddenness and severity of his fall.
The Giants now face a pivotal stretch of the season without one of their rotation’s mainstays as they seek to stabilize their pitching staff and keep pace in playoff contention. Fans and teammates will be watching closely for updates, hoping for a speedy and full recovery from Roupp after what was undeniably one of the most frightening moments of the MLB season thus far.
This incident underlines the fragile nature of a pitcher’s health and the challenge teams encounter when key players are sidelined unexpectedly, highlighting how every pitch and injury carries significant weight in the pursuit of baseball success.
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