SF Giants activate top outfield prospect just in time for Sunday's win against the Braves

Top SF Giants outfield prospect Luis Matos returned just in time to make an impact for Sunday's game. In a corresponding roster move, Brandon Crawford was placed on the injured list with a forearm strain, per a team announcement.

SF Giants activate top outfield prospect just in time for Sunday's win against the Braves

The Giants did not announce the severity of Crawford's strain, but he is not eligible to return until the end of August at the earliest. This will be Crawford's third trip to the injured list, but the first time as a result of a forearm strain. The prior two trips were due to a lingering knee ailment.

It has been a tough season for Crawford. The longtime Giants shortstop has struggled badly at the plate, slashing .194/.264/.318 (59 OPS+) with six home runs, 32 RBI, and 27 runs in 270 plate appearances. His defense has taken a noticeable step back as well. The 13-year veteran is in the final year of a two-year, $32 million extension he signed back in 2021.

Matos rejoins the Giants and did so at an opportune time. The Giants optioned him to Triple-A just over a week ago after as he struggled to the tune of a .623 OPS in 175 plate appearances while going through some growing pains on defense. The struggles are not uncommon for a 21-year-old rookie and are usually part of the development process. Matos tallied one hit in 12 at-bats during his return to the Sacramento River Cats.

The outfield prospect recorded two hits, including a home run, in five at-bats during the Giants' 4-3 win over the Braves on Sunday. They salvaged the series finale after dropping the first time games of the three-game series.

Matos was originally scheduled to play for Sacramento on Saturday but he was a late scratch as he needed to fly across the country to suit up for the Giants in Atlanta. This stretched Sacramento's already thin bench even thinner as Bryce Johnson was unavailable due to a day-to-day injury.

The River Cats had to use bullpen prospect Chris Wright in left field and called up outfielder Turner Hill from the San Jose Giants in a last-minute move. The oddness did not stop there as Wright roped a double in one of his two at-bats in a 6-5 loss to the Tacoma Rainiers.