Upton wasn’t the answer
When it became clear the Tigers were going to trade power-hitting left fielder Justin Upton, the Giants inquired. A left-heavy team like the Giants that has hit the fewest homers in the majors would be remiss not to look into an available right-hander who has 28 homers this year despite playing his home games in a big park.
The Giants decided Upton was not a good fit because they believe he will opt out of his contract after the season and it made little sense to bring him to San Francisco for a month of what amounts to exhibitions.
The Tigers dealt Upton and cash to the contending Angels on Thursday for a prospect who is not considered a difference-maker, another signal that all sides expect Upton to opt out with four years, $88.5 million left and seek a longer deal.
Even if the Giants’ interest was mild, it underscored the front office’s recognition that the club will need some righthanded heft if it wants to compete next year.
The Giants ranked 28th in the majors with a .675 OPS against left-handed pitchers entering play Thursday.
The Giants actually rank last in major-league OPS against right-handers at .689, but that number will rise if Brandon Crawford and Joe Panik continue their surge.
The Giants could get a boost as soon as Tuesday with Austin Slater’s return from a torn adductor muscle. Slater hit .370 with a .911 OPS in a small sample against lefties (28 plate appearances) with the Giants before he got hurt.
Ejections down: Doctor’s orders have had nothing to do with a decline in Bochy’s ejections. He has been tossed twice in each of the past two seasons after five ejections in 2015.
“I think replay has played a part in that, for all managers,” he said. “Now you just have reviews. There’s not much you can do after that. You can only argue balls and strikes.”
Since that is not allowed, it’s the manager’s best avenue if he wants to be tossed, either to fire up his team or get away from an ugly game.
“There’s the home plate umpire,” Bochy said. “You usually go after him.”