Giants announce opening day roster
at AT&T Park. With that out of the way, here are the big issues facing the Giants as they prepare for Opening Day against the Los Angeles Dodgers today:
Melancon to the D.L.? There’s growing air of caution surrounding Melancon, who hasn’t pitched since last Friday.
He’s still not over his 2017 health issues, when he appeared in just 30.0 innings. The right-hander had season-ending surgery Sept. 12 to relieve compression in his forearm.
Melancon eased back into action this spring, throwing 4.2 innings over five outings and working in back-toback games only once (March 22-23).
Bobby Evans, the Giants general manager, said it would be “jumping the gun” to assume a D.L. stint for Melancon. He said the team plans on being cautious – but said that could mean simply restricting how often he’s used on the mound early in the season.
Jackson in center Duggar’s roster chances might be have been doomed by his handedness. He’s a left-handed batter, and the Giants are in line to face lefthanded pitchers in four of their first five games: Clayton Kershaw, Alex Wood and Rich Hill in Los Angeles and Marco Gonzalez of the Seattle Mariners in the home opener.
Veteran outfielder Austin Jackson batted .352 (46 for 158) with a .440 onbase percentage and a .574 slugging Despite a strong spring, promising San Francisco Giants center fielder Steven Duggar will start the season in Triple-a Sacramento, leaving the starting job to Austin Jackson. Associated Press percentage against left-handed pitchers last year.
The Giants will play Blanco on a part-time basis and have Duggar start in center field regularly at Triple-a, but the veteran knows the prospect is coming for his job. In fact, he’s helping prepare him for the moment.
“I came out of that room over there and (Blanco) was the first one to talk to me,” Duggar said. “It just shows what kind of guy he is, what kind of teammate he is and he was right there with me every step of the way. Throughout camp, always in my ear, talking to me and giving me advice.”
Sandoval sizzles Pablo Sandoval, a bit of a question mark heading into spring, worked his way into good graces with his play and with his attitude. Heading into Tuesday night’s game, he had a .596 slugging percentage, with 4 home runs and three doubles in 52 at-bats.
“He exceeded expectations,” Bochy said. “I don’t want to sound surprised, but he did play great on both corners and swung the bat well. What a great attitude he’s had since he came in here.”
The switch-hitter can play third base, first base and serve as an emergency catcher. On some days, Bochy will start Sandoval at first base and Belt in left field.
“He’s a team player,” Bochy said. “He said, ‘I want to be the best role player I can be.”’