SF Giants' Buttó to undergo procedure to remove blood clot in right arm

Right-handed reliever José Buttó placed on 15-day injured list with right arm fatigue

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:56am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, abstract painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the Giants' team colors of orange and black.A cubist interpretation of a Giants pitcher's delivery captures the raw energy and intensity of the game.San Diego Today

The San Francisco Giants announced on Friday that right-handed reliever José Buttó has a blood clot in his right arm and will undergo a procedure to remove it later today. Buttó was placed on the 15-day injured list on Thursday due to right arm fatigue. The team did not provide a timeline for his return, but manager Tony Vitello said the procedure should provide 'peace of mind' about Buttó's condition.

Why it matters

Buttó has been a key part of the Giants' bullpen, so his absence could have a significant impact on the team's pitching staff. Blood clots can be a serious medical issue, so the Giants will need to closely monitor Buttó's recovery and progress.

The details

Buttó, 28, was removed from Wednesday's game against the San Diego Padres due to right arm fatigue. His fastball velocity dropped significantly, and he struggled with his command, walking four batters and allowing four runs while only recording one out. The Giants recalled right-hander Blade Tidwell from Triple-A Sacramento, and he recorded the first save of his career in Thursday's win over the Mets.

  • On Thursday, Buttó was placed on the 15-day injured list with right arm fatigue.
  • On Friday, the Giants announced that Buttó has a blood clot in his right arm and will undergo a procedure to remove it later today.
  • The team will provide an additional update on Buttó's condition on Saturday.

The players

José Buttó

A 28-year-old right-handed reliever for the San Francisco Giants who was placed on the 15-day injured list with a blood clot in his right arm.

Tony Vitello

The manager of the San Francisco Giants.

Blade Tidwell

A right-handed pitcher who was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento and recorded the first save of his career in Thursday's win over the Mets.

Casey Schmitt

A 27-year-old first baseman for the San Francisco Giants who was scratched from Friday's starting lineup due to lower back tightness.

Jerar Encarnacion

A 28-year-old player who took Schmitt's place in the starting lineup, playing first base and batting ninth.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'At the very least, it's peace of mind of what's going on. I don't have enough history — I know a little bit about it — but it seems like this is something that's occurred before he was with the Giants, or at least symptoms of it. So, maybe this has been building up for a while.'”

— Tony Vitello, Giants Manager

“'He wanted to be on that club to start the year — our club — as bad as you can possibly imagine. He's a guy that you can tell when the emotions are there. He wears that intensity on his sleeve, and it didn't work out. I don't like the circumstances that caused it, but I do like the fact he stayed ready. He's been throwing well, and he was hungry to get out there.'”

— Tony Vitello, Giants Manager

What’s next

The Giants will provide an additional update on Buttó's condition on Saturday.

The takeaway

Buttó's blood clot issue is a concerning development for the Giants, as he has been a key part of their bullpen. The team will need to closely monitor his recovery and progress, and his absence could have a significant impact on their pitching staff in the short term.