Aug 13, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Jeter Downs (3) hits a two run walk off single against the Oakland Athletics during the ninth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
SF Giants welcome back LaMonte Wade Jr. and Tyler Fitzgerald, send a pair of veterans to the injured list
The SF Giants welcomed back LaMonte Wade Jr. and Tyler Fitzgerald on Friday. In corresponding moves, both Wilmer Flores (knee) and Thairo Estrada (wrist) were transferred to the injured list according to the team’s transaction log.
SF Giants welcome back LaMonte Wade Jr. and Tyler Fitzgerald, send a pair of veterans to the injured list
The Giants will be happy to have Wade Jr. back in the lineup. The left-handed bat was playing at an All-Star level before landing on the injured list at the end of May with a hamstring strain. Wade Jr. has registered a .331/.465/.421 line (164 wRC+) with two home runs, 17 RBI, and 22 runs in 170 plate appearances. This includes one hit in four at-bats in Friday night’s 5-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In his absence, the Giants went with a combination of Flores, Trenton Brooks, and David Villar at first base. Brooks has since been designated for assignment after tallying just three hits in 25 at-bats. He is waiting on a resolution on this, but will likely clear waivers.
The Giants struggled to get meaningful production from this trio. Giants first baseman have slashed .168/.255/.316 (66 wRC+) in 110 plate appearances in June. The 66 wRC+ is the fifth-worst mark during that span.
On the other hand, Tyler Fitzgerald rejoins the club after briefly spending some time in Triple-A. The versatile glove has a .742 OPS with one home run in 72 plate appearances with San Francisco. This does include five stolen bases in six opportunities. Despite being used a bench player and spending time with Sacramento, Fitzgerald is still second on the team in stolen bases.
Both Wilmer Flores and Thairo Estrada have landed on the injured list. It has been a rough 2024 campaign for Flores as he has struggled to the tune of a .599 OPS with four home runs in 227 plate appearances. That said, he is one year removed from recording an .863 OPS with 23 home runs.
Similarly, Estrada’s bat has been on a downward trend as he has struggled to a .640 OPS with nine home runs in 311 plate appearances. While he is not hitting like he has in the past, the 28-year-old continues to play excellent defense at second base. In his absence, Brett Wisely will shift over to second base.
