The San Francisco Giants just got swept in back-to-back series by the Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays. After their 2-1 extra-inning loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, the Giants fell to 13-21 overall and remain last in the NL West.
The Giants’ offense is struggling after they only mustered 2 runs in 3 games against the Rays. But two Triple-A hitters could get promoted to help provide the Giants with a spark.
San Francisco’s No. 1 prospect, Bryce Eldridge, and No. 18, Jesus Rodriguez, were scratched from the Triple-A Sacramento Rivercats’ lineup earlier.
Bryce Eldridge Could Provide Offensive Spark
The 6-foot-7-inch Eldridge is an imposing hitter who could help the Giants with much-needed power. The first baseman is currently slashing .333/.445/.518 for a .963 OPS. He has also recorded 5 home runs and 22 RBIs in 114 at-bats for the Sacramento Rivercats.
There is a lot of hype surrounding Eldridge because of his power-hitting potential, and he is consistently ranked among the top in MLB’s prospect rankings. Eldridge is currently ranked the 20th overall prospect, according to MLB.com.
This would not be Eldridge’s first stint with the major league club. The former first-round pick played in 10 games and only recorded 3 hits in 37 at-bats at the end of last season.
However, the Giants have a logjam at the first base position. The Giants converted Rafael Devers from third base to first base after trading for the slugger last year. Devers is an everyday player in San Francisco’s lineup. Meanwhile, Casey Schmitt is arguably the Giants’ best hitter, and he has manned the designated hitter spot. It is hard to see Tony Vitello moving Devers to the bench. It will be interesting to see if Eldridge will play first base or be the designated hitter. Either move would most likely put Schmitt on the bench.
Rodriguez Provides Bat-To-Ball Option
Jesus Rodriguez was acquired last season when the Giants traded reliever Camilo Doval to the Yankees. The utility catcher is currently slashing .330/ .400/ .440 for an .840 OPS. He has also recorded 2 home runs and 14 RBIs in 100 at-bats for the Rivercats.
Rodriguez could be a nice offensive complement to Patrick Bailey behind the plate. The two-time Gold Glove catcher is having another good defensive year, but is struggling at the plate.
Giants Offense Among the MLB’s Worst
The Giants only scored 2 runs in a three-game series in Tampa Bay. San Francisco is not getting any production from their three highest-paid hitters- third baseman Matt Chapman, shortstop Willy Adames and first baseman Rafael Devers. It has resulted in manager Tony Vitello making multiple lineup changes to find something that works.
Through 34 games, the Giants are last in runs scored, home runs, walks and on-base percentage.
Giants Offense Struggles as Bryce Eldridge, Jesus Rodriguez Promotion Buzz Grows