Addition of Drew Gilbert clearly hurts this SF Giants outfielder the most

When the SF Giants called up outfielder Drew Gilbert from Triple-A, it was clear that outfielder Grant McCray would see his playing time go down as a result. That is exactly what has happened which leaves McCray in a tough spot.

Gilbert was acquired in a trade with the New York Mets that sent reliever Tyler Rogers to New York in exchange for a haul of prospects. He has struggled to get going at the plate so far, but he figures to get a long look in right field as the Giants try to figure out what they have in the 24-year-old who has drawn comparisons to one of the best outfielders in the NL West.

SF Giants opting for Drew Gilbert over Grant McCray

McCray was called up to the Giants in early August after the team traded away longtime outfielder Mike Yastrzemski. The thinking at the time was that both McCray and Luis Matos would see a lot of time in right field, but Matos has been demoted and McCray's playing time has all but vanished.

McCray last got an at-bat on August 6 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He only has two hits in 14 at-bats so far this season and has struck out eight times so it is not as if he was setting the world on fire before Gilbert showed up.

Yet, it must be a little frustrating for McCray. He had a solid year in Triple-A, putting up offensive numbers comparable to the ones Gilbert put up in the minors this season. They both have similar profiles as plus defenders with speed and still Gilbert seems to be the one getting the extended look.

Just last season, McCray was called up to the Giants late in the year and did some impressive things. He flashed some power and showed off his speed, making it seem like he could factor into the team's 2025 plans. He did only have a .202 batting average in 37 games and struck out 56 times in 124 at-bats though, so it was not all pretty.

Now, it seems McCray has been overshadowed by the fancy new toy in Gilbert. There is a long way to go in the season so if McCray takes advantage of whatever opportunities he gets the rest of this year, perhaps he could wrest some playing time back from Gilbert.

For now, though, the Giants definitely seem like they want an extended look at Gilbert.

More from Around the Foghorn: