San Francisco Giants set to call up outfielder Austin Slater

The San Francisco Giants have had a left field problem for a long time. The next man tasked with the job will be former Stanford standout Austin Slater, who’s contract was purchased from Triple-A Sacramento today.

He will join the team tomorrow in Philadelphia, according to Andrew Baggarly. The former eighth-round pick, was hitting .322/.381/.460 with four home runs and 26 RBIs in 174 at-bats for the Rivercats. As Baggarly also pointed out, he will become the first member of the Giants’ 2014 draft class to reach the major leagues.

The Giants have not announced a corresponding move, but all three outfielders are candidates to be designated for assignment. Gorkys Hernandez, Aaron Hill and Justin Ruggiano have all provided the Giants with minimal return so far this season.

Hernandez has long been the only backup in center field behind Denard Span this season. With Orlando Calixte called up Tuesday, replacing Mac Williamson, and now Slater, the Giants have brought up two players who can play center field.

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This also gives one of the team’s top prospects, Chris Shaw, an opportunity to continue playing left field at Triple-A.

With the Giants continuing to battle the San Diego Padres for last place instead of the Los Angeles Dodgers for first place, it is becoming more apparent that the team is running out of patience with the 25 man roster and is more willing to let their best minor league bats show what they can do.

Fans don’t want to hear that their team is out of the playoff picture in May. The idea seems hard to accept, considering there are so many games remaining in the season.

When the Giants called up top prospect, Christian Arroyo, April 24, it sent a clear message that the team’s struggles needed a change.

However, with this most recent move by general manager Bobby Evans, it is clear that the front office doesn’t want to wait and see if the current 25 can turn it around on their own.

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Giants continue the season Friday vs the Philadelphia Phillies. Ty Blach (3-2, 3.83 ERA) takes on Jerad Eickhoff (0-5 4.74 ERA.)