Will manager’s faith in Sandoval continue?
Pablo Sandoval isn’t showing the versatility he has over the years. He hasn’t played third base this season and has just three righthanded atbats.
Not to mention he was 3for26 (.115) through Tuesday.
Still, manager Gabe Kapler continues to show faith in the 33yearold, the designated hitter in Wednesday night’s lineup at Coors Field.
“So far what we’ve seen with Pablo, it’s been a slow progression toward his good swing,” Kapler said. “We still feel like he’s as threatening as anybody coming off the bench. Still feels like he gives us flexibility to play first base, third base, hit a big home run. Always nice to have a switchhitting option.”
The Giants believe they have better options from the right side and at third base, which is why Sandoval’s four starts in the field have been at first base, along with four starts as the DH.
Bigleague rosters must be trimmed from 30 to 28 Thursday, and the transactions will demonstrate the extent of the team’s faith in Sandoval, who had one
RBI, two walks and no extrabase hits through Tuesday. He had grounded into three double plays.
The Giants could cut a pitcher, though they’ve already reduced the staff from 15 to 14, or option a hitter or two to the alternate site in Sacramento.
Mauricio Dubón has been inconsistent as a multipurpose player, and Kapler has limited his playing time recently, calling it a “reset.” Dubon is a middle infielder by trade, but Brandon Crawford and hothitting Don
ovan Solano have been getting most of the reps at shortstop and second base. Dubon’s other position is center field, where
Mike Yastrzemski has settled in.
Steven Duggar has spent time with the Giants and at Sacramento. He’s a valuable defender throughout the outfield and provides speed the Giants thought they’d get from Billy
Hamilton, who was traded to the Mets on Sunday.
Kapler said discussions on the roster decisions would intensify after Wednesday’s game. He said he liked Sandoval’s loud contact Tuesday, though three of the four balls he hit were on the ground, one that got through for a hit. The other was a fly to deep left.
“Ultimately, in a perfect world, you’re able to elevate balls you hit the hardest,” Kapler said. “When he’s at his best, that’s exactly what he’s doing.”
Sandoval isn’t providing pop needed from a corner infielder, and the Giants have plenty of other options including Brandon Belt, Wilmer Flores and Darin Ruf at first base. Before Evan Longoria came off the injured list, Flores and Solano played third.