SAN FRANCISCO — Within the midst of their offensive struggles, the Giants are getting a much-needed reinforcement.
First baseman and nook outfielder Jerar Encarancion has been activated from the 60-day injured record and is about to make his make his season debut following a fantastic efficiency throughout spring. In a corresponding transfer, San Francisco optioned outfielder Luis Matos, who homered in Sunday’s 4-2 win, to Triple-A Sacramento.
“It’s nice to have him back,” stated supervisor Bob Melvin. “During spring training, we were talking about how impactful he was going to be. He was having a great spring. Next thing you know, he’s out for a while. He feels good at the plate, hit some home runs the last couple days, he’s ready to go.”
Encarnacion, 27, joins the Giants at a juncture the place their offense is in want of life.
San Francisco hasn’t scored greater than 4 runs in a single recreation since Wilmer Flores hit three homers towards the Athletics. Over their final 14 video games, the Giants have mustered simply 30 runs and posted a collective .604 OPS. The pitching workers posted a 2.64 ERA in Could, the most effective mark in all of baseball, however the workforce completed with a 13-14 report within the month due partially to subpar offensive manufacturing.
Relating to place and enjoying time, Encarnacion may begin at first base for LaMonte Wade Jr. or in proper subject for Mike Yastrzemski on days the Giants face left-handed starters. Casey Schmitt, who picked up first base this 12 months, has began video games at first base towards left-handed starters as properly.
Encarnacion turns into San Francisco’s fourth outfielder with Matos being optioned; Melvin added that infielder Christian Koss has the flexibility to play outfield as properly.
“I feel comfortable anywhere they want to play me,” Encarnacion stated by workforce interpreter Erwin Higueros. “They want to play me in first base, that’s where I’ll be.”
“It’s going to be a day-to-day proposition on what we think the best lineup is, but Jerar is going to get some at-bats against righties as well,” Melvin stated.
Wade usually receives begins towards right-handed pitchers, however the 31-year-old has but to interrupt out of a chilly spell that dates again to final season. Over 49 video games, Wade has a slash line of .167/.271/.271 with one house run and 15 RBIs. Wade’s -1.1 WAR, per FanGraphs, is without doubt one of the worst in all of baseball.
“We hope he starts to take off here. He hasn’t to this point,” Melvin stated. “There’s been some durations the place his at-bats have been so much higher and he’s acquired nothing to point out for it, and that may weigh on you for a man that’s used to being a productive man and getting on base and type of doing his factor.
“So, it’s going to be about performance here. If he starts to take off here, he’s going to see more playing time. If not, you might see Jerar over there a little bit more.”
Encarnacion has exhibited elite energy in his temporary major-league profession and positioned himself to make San Francisco’s Opening Day roster after hitting .302 with two house runs and 14 RBIs throughout spring coaching. Lower than per week earlier than the Giants’ first common season recreation, Encarnacion suffered a hairline fracture in his left ring finger after diving for a ball in proper subject.
The 27-year-old began his rehab project with Sacramento on Could 10, however the workforce paused the rehab project after two video games as a consequence of hand soreness. Upon returning on Could 27 (Encarnacion was first eligible to return on Could 26), Encarnacion performed 5 video games, recording 5 hits and hitting two homers. Encarnacion stated his hand was “a little tight” when swinging however feels “very well” now.
“We know he can give us some power,” Melvin stated. “He’s acquired energy to all fields. We noticed it on the finish of final 12 months. We noticed it in spring coaching. After we had been about to go away spring coaching, there have been going to be plenty of at-bats for him.
“Obviously, what (Flores) has done has been off the charts, so we’re cognizant of that, but with the potential that he gives us and the lack of power we’re getting right now, he’s going to get some opportunities.”
With regards to alternatives, the 23-year-old Matos now stands to obtain constant enjoying time with Sacramento. Matos hit .167 with 4 house runs and 7 RBIs over 24 video games, struggling to constantly produce as a bench bat. Melvin stated that Matos’ age and wish for constant enjoying time factored into him being the participant who was optioned.
“We’ve seen when he’s getting a lot of at-bats, he’s productive. Last year as well,” Melvin stated. “For younger players to have to sit around for long periods of time, it’s really difficult. He hit a big home run for us yesterday, but it’s been spotty playing time. It’s probably not great for his development, too. He even said to me, ‘I need more at-bats.’ Not the last you’ll see of Luis Matos.”
Verlander to throw bullpen on Tuesday
Left-hander Kyle Harrison has taken Verlander’s place within the rotation in the intervening time and made two begins, permitting two runs over 9 innings. Harrison is scheduled to make his third begin on Wednesday, and can doubtless obtain a fourth begin as Verlander recovers from his harm.
Initially Printed: June 2, 2025 at 6:35 PM PDT
