SF Giants activate 2B Donovan Solano, option Thairo Estrada

The SF Giants activated second baseman Donovan Solano off the injured list on Friday. To clear a spot on the active roster, they optioned infielder Thairo Estrada to Triple-A. Solano had been out since August 24th, when he was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Since the Giants were in New York when he first tested positive, Solano spent an extended period of time in The Big Apple while he recovered until he tested negative. Solano took some time to get back into shape and hit .375/.421/.438 in five rehab appearances at Triple-A.

The SF Giants activate 2B Donovan Solano from IL.

Solano has been one of the best acquisitions of Farhan Zaidi’s tenure as the Giants’ president of baseball operations. Signed as a minor-league free agent before the 2019 season, Solano has hit .307/.352/.437 while serving as their primary second baseman. After winning a Silver Slugger in 2020, Solano’s performance at the plate has taken a bit of a step back this season, posting a .278/.338/.406 triple-slash.

The SF Giants option Thairo Estrada to Triple-A.

The Giants acquired Estrada earlier this season for cash considerations in a trade with the New York Yankees. A one-time top prospect in the Yankees’ organization, Estrada struggled with New York in 2020 and fell down their depth chart. Since arriving in the Giants organization, though, Estrada took his performance to a new level. Estrada hit .362/.424/.595 at Triple-A and has been very productive with the Giants since he was called up. In 50 big-league games this season, Estrada is hitting .275/.331/.483 with seven home runs.

The SF Giants have benefitted from great infield depth all season long. However, with veteran second baseman Donovan Solano back in the fold after his stint on the COVID-IL, Thairo Estrada will at least temporarily not be on the MLB roster.