SF Giants place Matt Chapman on paternity list, recall young infielder

Veteran third baseman Matt Chapman has not missed many games this season, but he is slated to miss the next couple of games for a very good reason. He was placed on the paternity list on Wednesday according to the team's transaction log.

SF Giants place Matt Chapman on paternity list, recall young infielder

We would like to first congratulate Matt and his wife, Taylor, on the new addition to their family. This is a very exciting time for the Chapman family.

It has been an unforgettable month for a lot of reasons for the Chapman family. Of course, their new addition will be the highlight forever. However, the eight-year veteran recently agreed to a six-year extension that will keep him in San Francisco for a very long time.

This came on the heels of a very strong and resurgent 2024 campaign where the four-time Gold Glove winner continues to flash elite defense at the hot corner. Regardless of the defensive metric you use, he rates near the top of every category at his position and has a good chance of taking home his fifth Gold Glove Award this year.

At the plate, Chapman has been one of the Giants' best hitters, slashing .247/.329/.448 (118 wRC+) with 24 home runs, 73 RBI, and 93 runs in 617 plate appearances. This includes a 10.0 percent walk rate, 24.3 percent strikeout rate, and .201 ISO.

Interestingly, the 31-year-old set a new career-high with 15 stolen bases in 17 opportunities. Plus, he has been one of the team's more durable players as he has appeared in 146 games out of the team's 152 games this year.

Casey Schmitt will take Chapman's place on the roster for the time being. The young infielder has appeared sporadically with the Giants this season. Overall, he has registered a .213/.237/.427 line with five home runs and 12 RBI in 93 plate appearances this season. This includes a clutch, two-RBI hit in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

The righty bat does have an .813 OPS with 13 home runs and 58 RBI in 335 plate appearances with the Sacramento River Cats this year.

Chapman will return to the roster shortly. For the time being, Schmitt will get a couple of games at his natural position: third base.