SF Giants Double-A affiliate receives reinforcements, cut loose minor league infielder

The SF Giants Double-A affiliate, the Richmond Flying Squirrels, received reinforcements on Tuesday. Christian Koss and Mat Olsen were activated from the injured list. Kyle Cody, Alerick Soularie, and Nick Sinacola were assigned to Richmond. On the other hand, Damon Dues was released according to the team's transaction log.

SF Giants Double-A affiliate receives reinforcements, cut loose minor league infielder

The Giants acquired Koss at the start of the season. They bolstered middle infield depth in the upper minors with the move. The right-handed bat recorded five hits, including one home run, in eight at-bats before landing on the injured list.

On the other hand, Olsen posted a 6.48 ERA in 8.1 frames before he went on the injured list. Both Soularie and Cody were recent minor league signings, who should provide the organization with depth. There is a small possibility that Cody ends up in the Giants bullpen before the end of the season.

For Nick Sinacola, a move up to Richmond represents a promotion. He was a seventh-round pick by the Giants in 2021 out of the University of Maine. He was assigned to Eugene to start the season despite spending the entire 2023 campaign in High-A. In his first stint in Eugene, the right-handed hurler posted a 4.58 ERA with 100 strikeouts against 25 walks in 88.1 innings last year.

Sinacola returned to Eugene this season with improved results. In 10 outings, he registered a 2.68 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 8.5 K/9, and a 5.43 SO/W ratio. On the mound, he flashes a low-90's fastball with a slider. The slider gets downward, biting action and he has a good feel for it.

The one roster deletion was minor league infielder Damon Dues. It is an unfortunate move given that he has posted solid marks at every level until reaching Richmond in 2024. The left-handed bat posted a solid .291/.398/.362 line with zero home runs, 18 RBI, and 40 runs in 250 plate appearances with Eugene last season. This includes 25 stolen bases in 29 opportunities.

Dues followed that up with a .500 OPS in 96 plate appearances with the Flying Squirrels in 2024. He typically saw a lot of pitches, did not expand the zone, and made the opposing pitcher throw strikes. Despite the limited power, the 25-year-old would draw a healthy number of walks and put pressure on the defense with good speed and baserunning instincts.