Brandon Belt is officially back. He was activated off the concussion disabled list today and is in the lineup tonight to face the New York Mets, according to Henry Schulman of the SF Chronicle.
The San Francisco Giants are in need of an offensive spark, and Belt returning to the lineup could supply the power they need to get out of their latest rut. Prior to hitting the disabled list for the first time, Belt was hitting well, and hitting for power. However, he’s not had much time to get back into his routine between returning from the broken hand before getting a concussion in batting practice. Whether he struggles initially or not doesn’t much matter, he’ll be an upgrade to the lineup anyway you look at it. The Giants are just hoping he returns to form soon after returning. As of right now, no corresponding move has been made to clear room for him on the 25-man roster. It’s expected to be announced after batting practice today. However, you maybe could bet on newly called-up Jarrett Parker from Double-A Richmond to be sent back down tonight. He hasn’t had an at-bat yet, but the Giants mostly just needed a warm body to fill in the gap of cutting lose Dan Uggla and Tyler Colvin.
Matt Duffy made his MLB debut last night at second base and given that the Giants are in need of a second baseman, he’s chances of staying on the roster, at least in the meantime, look better than Parker’s chances.
Tonight’s lineup for the Giants has Brandon Crawford staying in the 2-spot, Joe Panik playing 2B, and Belt hitting 6th.
The Met’s lineup is as follows.
On another note, Angel Pagan was supposed to begin a rehab assignment for the Fresno Grizzlies tonight. However, neither the Giants, nor the Grizzlies have confirmed whether he is actually in Fresno. We’ll be there tonight though, so we’ll definitely keep you posted and let you know how he plays if he is indeed there.
It’s also Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Night in Fresno, so perhaps Pagan just wants to avoid wearing that super awesome TMNT jersey tonight. We know he likes to dress with style, and I’m not sure if 90s cartoons fits his.
Update: Pagan will play in Fresno on Sunday instead of Saturday.