SF Giants bring up a pair of reinforcements after lackluster trade deadline

After shipping off Jorge Soler, Luke Jackson, and Alex Cobb at the trade deadline, the SF Giants brought up some reinforcements. Both Marco Luciano and Blake Sabol were recalled according to the team's transaction log.

SF Giants bring up a pair of reinforcements after lackluster trade deadline

Sending Soler to the Atlanta Braves just four months into a three-year, $42 million deal was a bit of a surprise to say the least. The veteran bat was heating up at the plate and it felt like the lineup would be better with him in it.

That said, the trade has cleared the way for Luciano to get an extended look against major league pitching. He has appeared briefly in parts of the past two seasons, including getting 27 plate appearances with the club earlier this year.

For years, the infield prospect has been considered one of the team's best prospects. There were often questions about where he would play in the field. For the time being, he will see time at DH, shortstop, and second base. Importantly, there is a clear path to playing time for the right-handed bat.

Luciano has spent the bulk of this season with Sacramento, slashing .243/.384/.371 (98 wRC+) with eight home runs, 36 RBI, and 44 runs in 320 plate appearances. This includes an 18.1 percent walk rate, 27.2 percent strikeout rate, and a .127 ISO.

The power numbers have not quite been there yet in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, but Luciano has been warming up at the plate. He has made strides in terms of limiting his chase rate and making better swing decisions.

Luciano will be joined by Blake Sabol. Sabol has posted a .709 OPS with six home runs and 39 RBI in 273 plate appearances with Triple-A this year. Similar to Luciano, Sabol has appeared with the club this season, recording 10 hits in 32 at-bats.

Sabol continues to see time at catcher and in the outfield but has added first base to the list as well. The Giants have coverage at all of those positions, meaning that his stint with the club could be brief. The Giants did acquire veteran outfielder/first baseman Mark Canha at the trade deadline, so Sabol could be up until he is activated.