Bader (thumb) will be withheld from hitting until Monday, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bader had been dealing with thumb problems for several days before he aggravated it during Friday's Cactus League game, which led to an early departure. The Giants will help his thumb heal by keeping a bat out of his hands for a few days; meanwhile, Jerar Encarnacion and Will Brennan figure to benefit from a few extra reps in spring training.

Bader was removed from Friday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers due to a right thumb contusion, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bader was removed from Friday's game after his lone at-bat in the first inning, when he grounded out to second base. Giants manager Tony Vitello relayed to reporters after the game that Bader's thumb had been bothering him "for a few days" and will keep him out of action for the next couple of days, per Santos. Bader signed a two-year, $20.5 million contract with the Giants in January and is expected to serve as the team's starting center fielder, and while an extended absence isn't expected, this allows for Jerar Encarnacion and Will Brennan to both see more reps in the outfield.

Bader went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Wednesday's 13-12 Cactus League loss to the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Bader, who signed a two-year, $20.5 million pact with San Francisco in January, recorded his first home run with the Giants in the fourth inning. The 31-year-old is coming off the best offensive campaign of his career in 2025, during which he slashed .277/.347/.449 with 17 long balls, 54 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 501 plate appearances over 146 regular-season games between the Twins and Phillies. He is expected to take over as the Giants' everyday center fielder this season, pushing Jung Hoo Lee to right field.

The Giants signed Bader to a two-year, $20.5 million contract Monday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rosenthal's colleague, Andrew Baggarly, reported over the weekend that the Giants were expected to pursue Bader, and now the two sides have come together on a deal. Bader is expected to take over in center field for the Giants, shifting Jung Hoo Lee to right field. The 31-year-old Bader slashed .277/.347/.449 with 17 home runs and 11 steals over 146 regular-season games in 2025 between the Twins and Phillies. He is likely to take a step back offensively in 2026, particularly when factoring in his pitcher-friendly home park.

Bader (groin) declined his $10 million mutual option for 2026 on Tuesday and became a free agent, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bader slashed .305/.361/.463 with five homers, 16 RBI and 30 runs scored across 194 plate appearances in the regular season after being traded to Philadelphia at the deadline. The Phillies have already expressed interest in re-signing the 31-year-old outfielder, per Zolecki, but before they have a chance to contend for his services, they will first need to pay Bader a $1.5 million buyout.

Bader (groin) went 0-for-1 with a strikeout in Game 4 of the NLDS on Thursday against the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Bader was out of the lineup due to a groin injury but appeared as a pinch hitter in the 11th inning. He was immediately replaced for defensive purposes, suggesting he may not have been feeling healthy enough to handle left field. Bader could be headed for recovery early in the offseason, but he should be healthy in plenty of time for spring training.

Bader (groin) isn't in the lineup for Game 4 of the NLDS against the Dodgers on Thursday, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bader will miss a third consecutive start after suffering a left groin injury in Game 1, but he'll continue to be available off the bench. If the Phillies are able to force a Game 5, the team is hopeful that an extra day of rest between games would enable the 31-year-old to return to the lineup in the series finale.

Bader (groin) isn't in the lineup for Game 3 of the NLDS against the Dodgers on Wednesday, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bader was a game-time decision heading into Game 3 due to a groin injury he suffered in Game 1, and the Phillies have officially decided to keep the speedy outfielder on the bench for another day. He picked up a single off the bench in Game 2 and will likely be available to serve as a pinch hitter again Wednesday.

Manager Rob Thomson said Tuesday that Bader (groin) will be a game-time decision to start Game 3 of the NLDS on Wednesday, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

After exiting Game 1 early due to a groin injury, Bader came off the bench to deliver a pinch-hit single in the ninth inning of Game 2. If the Phillies decide to keep him out of the starting lineup Wednesday, the 31-year-old would presumably still be available to serve as a pinch hitter again.

Bader (groin) is not in the lineup Monday for Game 2 of the NLDS against the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Bader had to exit Game 1 on Saturday with left groin tightness and is not well enough to return to the lineup. Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that Bader will hit in the cage pregame and could be available off the bench as a pinch hitter, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reports. Brandon Marsh will start in center field and will be flanked by Nick Castellanos in right field and Otto Kemp in left field.