SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Jung Hoo Lee’s rookie season ended prematurely with a shoulder harm final Could however the outfielder continued what’s been a formidable return for the Giants in Thursday’s 7-3 spring coaching win over the White Sox.
Lee showcased his energy with a two-run residence run within the third inning, driving in shortstop Willy Adames to place the Giants up 3-0 early. It was Lee’s second homer of the spring and his eighth hit in 20 at-bats.
“I feel like the success I’m having right now in spring training is for sure a process that we’ve all gone through, not just by myself but with the team, with the trainers and the organization,” Lee stated by means of staff interpreter Justin Han. “They helped me out really well and supported me 100% to get me here and come back with a healthy mind. I just wanted to give that back to the organization and I’m just trying my best to help out the team.”
Giants supervisor Bob Melvin has positioned Lee third within the lineup behind lefty Lamonte Wade Jr. and Adames this spring, attempting to reap the benefits of the 2 lefties surrounding Adames and his right-handed energy.
“Lee likes to swing. I know we had that last year when he was there. It just feels like he’s a way better fit in the three-hole right now,” Melvin stated.
Lee didn’t credit score his success this spring to any mechanical change, however like all the greatest hitters, he continued to tinker with issues to enhance on the plate after batting .262 with a 641 OPS in 37 video games final season.
“There is a lot of talk with the hitting coaches and a lot of communication that’s helping me out,” Lee stated.
One change that occurred within the offseason had nothing to do with Lee himself however quite the person he says he’s honored to play behind in heart subject.
Proper-handed pitcher Justin Verlander made his second official Cactus League begin Thursday. At age 42, Verlander confirmed flashes of the ace and future Corridor of Famer he’s been in years previous. The veteran didn’t thoughts having Lee’s assist in opposition to the White Sox and appeared enthusiastic about taking part in with the proficient heart fielder.
“I think he’s somebody that comes with high expectations, rightfully so, and I think talent wins out at any level,” Verlander stated. “From what I understand, in the limited time before he didn’t seem overmatched and surely doesn’t now.”
Whereas Lee wasn’t overmatched Thursday, the rag-tag White Sox struggled to get going in opposition to Verlander. He pitched 4 innings, tallied 4 strikeouts and allowed 4 hits and one earned run. Verlander’s fastball hovered round 93 and 94 mph earlier than he let it free in his ultimate inning of labor, throwing a couple of pitches at 96 mph.
San Francisco Giants pitcher Justin Verlander throws in opposition to the Chicago White Sox in the course of the first inning of a spring coaching baseball recreation, Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Picture/Matt York)
On the primary fastball that touched 96, Verlander appeared to show again towards the scoreboard in proper subject to test his velocity.
“It’s always changed for me,” Verlander stated about his fastball in spring coaching.
When requested concerning the new curveball he showcased over the weekend in a simulated recreation, Verlander supplied an attention-grabbing reply.
“I’m throwing it the same way,” he stated. “Just tinkering.”
As for his supervisor’s evaluation of Verlander’s day, Melvin lacked any concern about his new pitcher.
“He’s throwing 96 and he just looked like Justin Verlander,” Melvin stated. “He’s very driven out there. Gives up a hit and gives up a run, he’s upset in a spring training game, hich is kind of who he is. It’s been really good.”
Notable
* Third baseman Matt Chapman, additionally in the course of a formidable spring coaching on the plate, launched a pair of solo residence runs in his three at-bats. He’s now slashing .462/.611/1.154 by means of 13 at-bats over six video games. The pair of blasts pushed Chapman’s spring whole to 3.
* Left-handed relievers Joey Lucchesi and Enny Romero each appeared within the late innings, persevering with to battle for spots as lefty assist in the bullpen. Lucchesi labored a scoreless eighth whereas Romero struggled within the high of the ninth. Romero gave up a pair of hits together with a two-run residence run to White Sox catching prospect Adam Hackenberg.
In a restricted 2.2 innings of labor, Lucchesi has but to permit a run in Arizona.
– Previous to Thursday’s recreation, Melvin mentioned the Giants’ want to be extra aggressive on the basepaths in 2025. The Giants have been second-to-last within the majors with simply 65 stolen bases final 12 months. The staff swiped three luggage Thursday, together with one by catcher Patrick Bailey.
“He’s got pretty good feet,” Melvin stated about Bailey. “As a catcher, you kind of know the cadence out there and who’s trying to pay attention … spring training, this is a time to find out what you can do.”
Middle fielder Grant McCray accounted for the opposite two steals Thursday.
