SF Giants activate AJ Pollock, option power-hitting infielder

The SF Giants activated veteran bat AJ Pollock on Tuesday. However, power-hitting infielder Marco Luciano was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding roster move according to the team's transaction log.

SF Giants activate AJ Pollock, option power-hitting infielder

The Giants acquired Pollock along with infielder Mark Mathias from the Seattle Mariners on Monday in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later. The 12-year veteran had been on the injured list with a hamstring strain but was ready to go on Tuesday.

He recorded three hitless at-bats in his Giants debut, but San Francisco managed to squeak by with a 4-3 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Pollock did not put up good numbers with Seattle as he posted a .547 OPS in 138 plate appearances while dealing with sporadic playing time.

The Giants hope that a change of scenery will help the 35-year-old outfielder rediscover his form. He is just two years removed from producing an .892 OPS in 422 plate appearances for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021.

Of course, the Giants seek platoon leverage with most additions and Pollock offers that as he has an .838 OPS against left-handed pitching throughout his career. He may not be in the lineup every day, but similar to Austin Slater, he will still see regular at-bats.

To make room, Marco Luciano was optioned. The 21-year-old prospect looked good in his brief stint with the Giants, recording three hits in 11 at-bats. What stood out was the impactful contact he made. When the right-handed bat did make contact, the ball jumped off of his bat.

Nevertheless, his promotion last week was always going to be a short-term fit given that he had just six games of experience at Triple-A. He could return in relatively short order, however, as he saw time at second base for the first time in his pro career with Sacramento on Wednesday.

Starting second baseman Thairo Estrada should be returning from a hand fracture soon enough, but he is also capable of moving around the field. If Luciano proves he can handle second base, that could open up some playing time for him on the Giants roster. In the meantime, the top infield prospect will continue to get valuable reps in Triple-A while the Giants hope that he can help them down the stretch.