SAN FRANCISCO — In the midst of their offensive struggles, the Giants are getting a much-needed reinforcement.
First baseman and corner outfielder Jerar Encarancion has been activated from the 60-day injured list and is set to make his make his season debut following a great performance during spring. In a corresponding move, 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,” said manager 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 where their offense is in need of life.
San Francisco hasn’t scored more than four runs in a single game since Wilmer Flores hit three homers against the Athletics. Over their last 14 games, the Giants have mustered just 30 runs and posted a collective .604 OPS. The pitching staff posted a 2.64 ERA in May, the best mark in all of baseball, but the team finished with a 13-14 record in the month due in part to subpar offensive production.
Regarding position and playing time, Encarnacion could start at first base for LaMonte Wade Jr. or in right field for Mike Yastrzemski on days the Giants face left-handed starters. Casey Schmitt, who picked up first base this year, has started games at first base against left-handed starters as well.
Encarnacion becomes San Francisco’s fourth outfielder with Matos being optioned; Melvin added that infielder Christian Koss has the ability to play outfield as well.
“I feel comfortable anywhere they want to play me,” Encarnacion said through team 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 said.
Wade often receives starts against right-handed pitchers, but the 31-year-old has yet to break out of a cold spell that dates back to last season. Over 49 games, Wade has a slash line of .167/.271/.271 with one home run and 15 RBIs. Wade’s -1.1 WAR, per FanGraphs, is one of the worst in all of baseball.
“We hope he starts to take off here. He hasn’t to this point,” Melvin said. “There’s been some periods where his at-bats have been a lot better and he’s got nothing to show for it, and that can weigh on you for a guy that’s used to being a productive guy and getting on base and kind of doing his thing.
“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 power in his brief major-league career and positioned himself to make San Francisco’s Opening Day roster after hitting .302 with two home runs and 14 RBIs during spring training. Less than a week before the Giants’ first regular season game, Encarnacion suffered a hairline fracture in his left ring finger after diving for a ball in right field.
The 27-year-old started his rehab assignment with Sacramento on May 10, but the team paused the rehab assignment after two games due to hand soreness. Upon returning on May 27 (Encarnacion was first eligible to return on May 26), Encarnacion played five games, recording five hits and hitting two homers. Encarnacion said his hand was “a little tight” when swinging but feels “very well” now.
“We know he can give us some power,” Melvin said. “He’s got power to all fields. We saw it at the end of last year. We saw it in spring training. When we were about to leave spring training, there were going to be a lot 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.”
On the subject of opportunities, the 23-year-old Matos now stands to receive consistent playing time with Sacramento. Matos hit .167 with four home runs and seven RBIs over 24 games, struggling to consistently produce as a bench bat. Melvin said that Matos’ age and need for consistent playing time factored into him being the player who was optioned.
“We’ve seen when he’s getting a lot of at-bats, he’s productive. Last year as well,” Melvin said. “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
The Giants also announced on Monday that right-hander Justin Verlander (right pectoral soreness) will throw a bullpen on Tuesday at Oracle Park. Following his bullpen session, Melvin said the team will look for him to face hitters three or four days afterwards.
Left-hander Kyle Harrison has taken Verlander’s place in the rotation for the time being and made two starts, allowing two runs over nine innings. Harrison is scheduled to make his third start on Wednesday, and will likely receive a fourth start as Verlander recovers from his injury.
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