During a Cactus League matchup on Wednesday, San Francisco Giants outfielder Luis Matos was struck in the helmet by a pitch from Seattle Mariners starter Cooper Criswell. The fastball, traveling at 87 mph, hit Matos in the bottom of the second inning, immediately causing concern on the field.
Matos dropped to the plate but quickly rose as the Mariners catcher checked on him. The Giants’ medical staff then assessed his condition, allowing him to continue playing in the game despite the impact.
Matos’ Performance Following the Hit and Spring Training Prospects
After recovering from the hit, Matos contributed a single to the outfield and later scored a run. He entered spring training aiming to secure a spot in the Giants’ outfield for the upcoming season, contending with established outfielders such as Jung Hoo Lee, Harrison Bader, and Heliot Ramos, who are seen as leading candidates for the Opening Day roster.
Prior to this game, Matos had recorded six hits in 16 at-bats, including two doubles and a home run. He faces competition from players like Drew Gilbert, Will Brennan, Grant McCray, and Jerar Encarnacion for a bench position in 2026.
Matos’ Background and Challenges in Securing an Outfield Position
Signed by the Giants as an international free agent in July 2018 with a $725,000 signing bonus, Matos made his MLB debut in June 2023 after being promoted to the major league squad. In his rookie season, he batted .250/.319/.342, hitting two home runs and driving in 14 runs. For the 2024 season, he was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento but currently has no minor-league options remaining.
Throughout his major league appearances with San Francisco, Matos has maintained a .231/.281/.369 slash line. His chances to claim the right field spot diminished following the team’s offseason acquisition of Harrison Bader, which shifted Jung Hoo Lee into right field to accommodate Bader in center.
“He got upto his feet before being checked by the Giants’ medical team.” ?Noah Gindin, Sports Reporter
“He stayed in the game despite the hit and struck a single to the outfield and contributed with a run.” ?Noah Gindin, Sports Reporter
Luis Matos stayed in the game after getting hit on the helmet by a pitch 🙏 pic.twitter.com/mXQ7cYLwqL
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) March 5, 2026
