San Francisco Giants first baseman Wilmer Flores (shoulder) is starting at first base and is batting fifth on Monday against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers and left-hander James Paxton. Flores was initially held out of the lineup after injuring his shoulder in the series finale against the San Diego Padres on Sunday, but the team's updated lineup has Flores in there. The 32-year-old Venezuelan veteran had a strong 2023 campaign in the Bay Area by hitting .284/.355/.509 with an .863 OPS, a career-high 23 home runs and 60 RBI in 126 games played and he's off to a 2-for-9 start with two RBI and three runs scored in the first four games of the 2024 season. Flores has just six career at-bats against Paxton and is searching for his first hit against the lefty.

San Francisco Giants infielder Wilmer Flores (shoulder) was forced to exit early during Sunday's game against the San Diego Padres. Flores suffered a left shoulder contusion when he fell into the dugout while trying to make a catch in foul territory. The injury doesn't sound serious and this shouldn't force Flores onto the injured list. At the moment, fantasy managers should consider Flores as day-to-day. LaMonte Wade could see more action at first base until Flores is ready to play again.

San Francisco Giants infielder Wilmer Flores (knee) returned to Cactus League action on Friday against the Chicago Cubs, starting at first base and batting third in the lineup. Flores returned to the field on Friday after he was scratched from Wednesday's Cactus League lineup due to minor knee soreness. The fact that the 32-year-old is already back on the field heading into the weekend suggests he won't open the 2024 regular season on the injured list next week. The Venezuelan veteran hit an impressive .284/.355/.509 with an .863 OPS, a career-high 23 home runs and 60 RBI in 126 games in 2023 in his third year in the Bay Area. At the very least, Flores should be a lineup regular for the Gigantes this year against left-handed pitching at either first base or designated hitter.

San Francisco Giants infielder Wilmer Flores (knee) was scratched from the team's Cactus League lineup on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels due to a little knee soreness. Flores said "it's nothing." Flores should be considered day-to-day for now and should be ready for Opening Day next Thursday versus the division-rival San Diego Padres. Despite the 32-year-old Venezuelan putting up the best offensive numbers of his career last year for the Giants -- .284 average, 23 home runs and 60 RBI in 126 games -- playing time is going to be an issue for him in 2024. Flores was a bit fortunate to put up the numbers that he did, but that doesn't take away from the fact that he hits lefties well. At worst, he should be in some sort of short-sided platoon role in San Francisco's infield.