Giants Beat: Belt returns from IL.
PHOENIX — For the second day in a row, the Giants welcomed back one of their regular infielders, with first baseman Brandon Belt coming off the injured list Thursday after missing a month and a half with knee inflammation.
Belt hit seventh, an indication how tough San Francisco’s lineup might be at full strength — which the team is nearing. Third baseman Evan Longoria, coming back from a severe SC joint strain, was scheduled to start a rehab assignment with TripleA Sacramento on Thursday and could join the Giants early next week. His return would mean the entire projected infield is back, because second baseman Tommy La Stella came off the IL on Wednesday.
“It’s nice to have Brandon back,” manager Gabe Kapler said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had, like, everybody together and we’re still Longo removed from having that kind of Opening Day
vibe. But this is certainly encouraging.”
As expected, starter Kevin Gausman was placed on the paternity list. He said after his start Wednesday that his wife, Taylor, is scheduled to have labor induced Friday. They are expecting their second daughter, who will be named Sutton, joining sister Sadie.
Gausman will have to go back on the roster Sunday, which is when the team will have to make a roster move. With a bullpen game on tap for Saturday, there’s the possibility a pitcher who throws a lot of innings in that game could be part of a transaction.
Kapler has not named a starter for Saturday, but Aaron Sanchez is a possibility. The club also could use an opener followed by Sanchez.
Briefly: Outfielder Mike Yastrzemski was out of the lineup for a second day with hamstring tightness but flied out as a pinch hitter in the fifth . ... Shortstop Marco Luciano was promoted from LowA San Jose to HighA Eugene. “He was a really productive player for San Jose and I’m confident he’s going to be able to put together good results in Eugene as well,” Kapler said . ... Former A’s catcher Bruce Maxwell, now a Giants minorleaguer, attended one of the games at Chase Field this week along with DoubleA Richmond teammate Phil Pfeifer ;a lefthanded pitcher. Both had Tommy John surgery in the past two weeks and are rehabbing at the Giants’ minorleague facility.