SF Giants option a pair of speedy outfielders

The SF Giants welcomed middle infield prospect Casey Schmitt to the majors on Tuesday. In the days leading up to that, they optioned a pair of speedy outfielders in Bryce Johnson and Cal Stevenson according to the team's transaction log.

SF Giants option a pair of speedy outfielders

Johnson was in the midst of a rehab assignment after sustaining a concussion while colliding with the wall in center field. He only missed a couple of weeks, which is an encouraging sign for that type of injury. The Giants hope that there are no lingering effects.

The switch-hitter recorded three hits, including his first major league home run, in 20 at-bats before landing on the injured list. Johnson had a fantastic spring training, so the Giants rewarded him by adding him back to the roster.

The 27-year-old has registered a .275/.361/.376 line with a 10.4 percent walk rate against a 23.9 percent strikeout rate across six minor league seasons. He does bring an element of speed to the table as he has swiped 145 bags in 184 opportunities as a pro.

Johnson has speed, plays a solid center field, and his from both sides of the plate, so he does a lot of things on the field that get noticed.

On the other hand, Stevenson came over to the Giants in April from the Oakland A's in a rare trade between the local rivals. The left-handed bat has posted a .294/.407/.420 line with a 16.1 percent walk rate against a 15.6 percent strikeout rate.

He debuted with the A's last year, but struggled to the tune of a .478 OPS in 71 plate appearances. Despite a contact-heavy approach in the minors, Stevenson struck out in 32.4 percent of his plate appearances last year. For a player who does not hit for much power, that is just too high.

The 26-year-old outfielder appeared briefly for the Giants this season. He collected nine hitless at-bats, but he worked three walks.

Johnson and Stevenson have similar profiles in terms of defense, speed, and offensive upside. The latter likely appeals to the front office due to solid plate discipline numbers in the minors. However, there is a bit of a roster redundancy here that the Giants will need to eventually work out.