SF Giants: Aaron Sanchez DFA’d in series of roster moves

The SF Giants announced a series of roster moves on Sunday including designating Aaron Sanchez for assignment. Kevin Gausman was activated from paternity leave, whereas infielder Thairo Estrada was optioned to make room for reliever John Brebbia.

SF Giants: Aaron Sanchez DFA’d in series of roster moves

The decision to place Sanchez on waivers is easily the most surprising move given that he is a seven-year major league veteran with an ERA title on his résumé. However, the Giants struggled to find a role for the righty following his return from the injured list. He made three appearances, including one start, allowing two earned runs in seven innings in his return, but his performance was not the most encouraging.

In total, the 29-year-old registered a 3.06 ERA, 4.04 FIP, 1.33 WHIP, 6.6 K/9, and a 1.73 SO/W ratio across 35.1 frames. He did excel at preventing runs as his ERA indicates, but he did not get a lot of swinging strikes while battling command issues.

Interestingly, the 98 MPH fastball that he flashed in an offseason bullpen before signing with the Giants never made an appearance when he was in a Giants uniform. Oftentimes, his fastball sat in the low-90’s as he relied on his offspeed offerings to generate outs.

That said, he managed to induce a ground ball in 52.3 percent of his batted ball events, so he did find a way to avoid hard contact.

The Giants’ 40-man roster currently stands at 39. With Reyes Moronta (forearm) and Evan Longoria (shoulder) set to return soon, they will both need to be added back to the 40-man roster. The move on Sanchez creates one opening, whereas another one will need to be made soon enough.

Of course, the Giants got good news as Kevin Gausman is set to return to the roster. He was placed on paternity leave recently as his wife, Taylor Gausman, gave birth to a baby girl.

Some fans may be sad to see Thairo Estrada go. He registered a .303/.376/.447 line (123 OPS+) with three home runs, 12 runs, and 13 RBI in 85 plate appearances. However, the Giants bullpen has labored in recent days and needed a fresh arm, so it makes sense that John Brebbia was recalled.

It is not easy to option a player with as 123 OPS+ as the Giants did with Estrada but that speaks to the depth they have created. There were few other alternatives that made sense and Estrada has an option remaining. He should return to the Giants roster before the end of the season as he provides a versatile glove with sneaky power.