SF Giants: Three key takeaways from Rockies series

Brandon Belt: 4-10, 2 home runs, 7 RBI
Brandon Crawford: 4-5, 2 home runs, 4 runs, and 4 RBI
Buster Posey: 5-7, 1 home run, 3 runs, and 1 RBI

SF Giants, Mike Tauchman — SF Giants outfielder Mike Tauchman rounds third base to score on a Brandon Belt single against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning during game one of a double header at Coors Field on May 04, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

SF Giants: Three Key Takeaways from the Rockies Series

3. Mike Tauchman continues to see a lot of playing time

Mike Tauchman has not been with the SF Giants for a full month yet, but it sure feels like we have seen a lot of him since the trade. Part of that is due to his performance as he has been a sparkplug atop the Giants lineup.

However, part of it has been due to the struggles of Mauricio Dubón (.543 OPS) and Austin Slater (.616 OPS). The Giants have not gotten a lot of offensive production out of either of the right-handed-hitting center fielders and it has created an opportunity for Tauchman. In fairness to Dubón, he has seen more playing time in the infield lately as the injuries continue to pile up.

With that being said, Tauchman has taken advantage of the playing time. In 29 plate appearances, he has slashed .259/.310/.481 (121 OPS+) with three doubles, one home run, and five RBI. In the Rockies series, he only collected two hits in 11 at-bats but scored four runs, so he found a way to get on base a lot.

Throughout his career, the left-handed bat has not demonstrated extreme platoon splits ( .757 OPS against RHP, .747 OPS against LHP) and he could continue to see regular playing time even as Mike Yastrzemski is expected to return soon.

SF Giants: Three Key Takeaways from the Rockies Series

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