It is reaching the point in the spring when teams start to thin out the squad. While 40-man rosters are already set, you can only take 26 of those players into Opening Day. But you knew that already.
The Giants are at the stage where they need to make cuts, and the coaching staff seems to be waiting as long as possible to make the final calls.
“I'm big into sample size,” said Giants manager Tony Vitello during his pregame media scrum. “We're deep into spring training now, but it's really not that big of a sample size that you get from guys.”
That is partly why the Giants are waiting to make their first round of cuts. They want to be certain they are making the right decisions when they finalize the roster.
While I’ve previously detailed the spring competitions—most of which involve bench roles rather than the starting lineup—the bullpen remains a major question mark. However, that isn't the only position group giving the coaching staff fits.
“The outfield,” said Vitello when asked which group is causing the toughest decisions. “You might have 10 guys that can play in the big leagues out there.”
The Outfield Logjam
The Giants' starters are set with Heliot Ramos, Harrison Bader, and Jung Hoo Lee. From there, it is anybody's guess as to who will fill the reserve spots. Luckily for the staff, there has been ample time to evaluate candidates because the entire starting outfield took part in the World Baseball Classic (though Bader returned to the team today).
“I truly feel like,” Vitello added, “those guys being away for the WBC lets you guys see, new coaches see, fans see... like, these guys can play.”
With the starters gone, players like Jerar Encarnacion, Luis Matos, Grant McCray, and Will Brennan have had more time to build their cases.
Luis Matos: Had 32 plate appearances coming into Thursday and is hitting .321 in what is a make-or-break spring. While he is hitless in his last four games, he played clean defense in right field during Tuesday's start against the Guardians.
Jerar Encarnacion: His performance could be the difference in whether Bryce Eldridge makes the roster. He is hitting .294 in 34 plate appearances but is likely more of a first baseman than an outfielder. On Monday, he struggled slightly with an angle on a fly ball in left field—a nugget to remember for later.
Will Brennan & Grant McCray: Both bring something Encarnacion and Matos do not: the ability to hit from the left side. McCray, who has battled high strikeout rates in the past, leads all Giants outfielders with six walks this spring, showing a much-improved approach.
Non-Roster Standouts
Jared Oliva and Victor Bericoto have both looked sharp. While they likely won't make the Opening Day roster, they have moved to the top of the "call-up" list. Oliva showed great hustle on Tuesday, battling a tough sun to make a catch and later stealing both second and third base.
Then there is the Drew Gilbert question. Gilbert has been hitting well (.267 BA) but has yet to take the field due to a shoulder impingement. A strong finish could land him a spot, but he needs to prove he can throw the ball.
Bullpen & Injury News
Lefty reliever Erik Miller threw to hitters on Tuesday, and by all accounts, things went well. Vitello said Miller could appear in a game tomorrow against the Reds and hasn't been ruled out for Opening Day.
Miller’s status creates a domino effect. If he isn’t ready, Matt Gage and Joey Lucchesi are the only left-handed options from last year's squad, and neither is a proven high-leverage arm. Juan Sanchez is a non-roster dark horse; he has allowed only two hits in 17 plate appearances this spring.
Concerning News: Right-hander Hayden Birdsong is being evaluated for an elbow issue. “I think he’s getting looked at for some soreness,” said Vitello after the Giants’ 3-3 tie with the White Sox. While Vitello didn't specify a concern level, he expressed personal disappointment for Birdsong, citing his "likability and coachability."
Game Recap: Giants 3, White Sox 3
The game ended in a 3-3 tie, but it provided some highlight-reel moments:
Jared Oliva pinch-ran in the 9th, immediately stole second and third (his 8th and 9th steals of the spring).
Jerar Encarnacion drove him home with a sacrifice fly to tie the game. Encarnacion also impressed Vitello with his range in left field, cutting off a ball down the line in the 8th.
“I don't know if you all noticed the single down the line how fast he got to that ball,” raved Vitello. “He's not a burner, by any means, but he got over there in a hurry. That, to me, was equally impressive to the sac fly.”
Trevor McDonald got his first start, throwing four innings with four strikeouts. Despite giving up two home runs, he remained composed.
“Just got clipped a couple times,” said McDonald. “That's part of it. But I was happy with the way that I didn't let things unravel or anything, got right back after guys and kept pounding the zone, and was able to not let things unravel.”
As of now there is probably no path for McDonald to appear in the Giants Opening Day rotation, so a bullpen role is his best option right now, something McDonald sounds ready for should the Giants ask it of him.
“It's whatever they decide on,” said McDonald. “Like I said, I'm going to go out there and compete, whether it's relieving, long relieving, starting, whatever. I think we all have the same goal in mind, and that's making it deep into the end of the postseason. So, whatever role that is that I need to be in, that's where I'll be happily.”
The Offense: Matt Chapman led the way with two hits and an RBI. Rafael Devers remains hitless this spring, though there is little reason for concern for the veteran star.