Giants Get Positive Injury Update on SP Madison Bumgarner

One of the most sought-after starters on this year's trade market may have dodged a major bullet on the injury front.

Madison Bumgarner and the Giants received good news on the status of his elbow with the trade deadline looming. After taking a line drive off of his elbow in Saturday's game against the Cardinals, x-rays came back negative. He suffered an elbow contusion.

Bumgarner's health is of the utmost importance for San Francisco. The 29-year-old is the biggest piece they can move via trade this year, and plenty of teams hungry for starting pitching like the Yankees and Twins could send a hefty haul of prospects for his services.

Even in a down year, Bumgarner has been effective. He's posted a 4.03 ERA and 3.91 FIP, and his control has been marvelous, allowing just two walks per nine innings. He's also struck out 113 batters in 109 2/3 innings.

The Giants would be wise to play it safe with him moving forward. Getting the most out of a possible trade package for Bumgarner is vital for their rebuild. The healthier he is, the more they'll get in return to accelerate their rebuilding process.

Rushing him back in order to impress scouts could backfire massively.

This recent update on his elbow is a step in the right direction. Now they'd better hope that the good news keeps on coming.