Giants utility player Casey Schmitt is expected to miss significant time, according to manager Tony Vitello.

The Giants have labeled Schmitt’s injury as knee discomfort. But hours later, it was revealed that the rising star tore his left meniscus, according to NBC Sports.

Giants infielder Casey Schmitt needed assistance walking down the stairs in the dugout after exiting Monday’s game early. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Giants’ 3-0 win over the Brewers was overshadowed by Schmitt’s early exit in the second inning of Monday’s game. The infielder sustained a knee injury while rounding first base after hitting a bloop single to right field.

Schmitt was evaluated on the field by head athletic trainer Dave Groeschner and Vitello, before heading to the dugout where he needed assistance going down the stairs.

“He’s a unique personality, but he’s definitely got a level of toughness to him,” Vitello told reporters.

“He was really struggling even just to move around there with (Dave Groeschner) checking on him. The first thing is obviously you’ve got to make a change, and second of all, your heart has got to go out to him a little bit and you hope for the best.”

The setback is especially discouraging for Schmitt, who is in the midst of the best season of his career. The infielder is hitting .271 with a career-high 21 home runs, 55 RBIs and a .784 OPS in 2026. He’s accrued the second-most home runs on the team, trailing only Rafael Devers.

Giants manager Tony Vitello revealed Casey Schmitt is expected to miss significant time. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Schmitt has been the Giants’ breakout star of the season, a shining light throughout a nightmarish campaign for the organization.

With Schmitt headed for the injured list, the Giants likely lost any trade deadline leverage they had entering next week.

San Francisco may have traded Schmitt for the right price at the deadline next, but that no longer appears to be an option with the infielder sidelined.

It is just another nail in the 2026 coffin for San Francisco.