SF Giants swap pair of outfielders in roster move

Luis González's demotion to Triple-A turned out to be a short one as he was recalled before Friday night's game. The left-handed bat was assigned to Triple-A earlier in the week to make room for Tommy La Stella on the active roster.

SF Giants swap pair of outfielders in roster move

However, activating González came at a tough cost as the Giants' lineup had been inching closer to being fully healthy. LaMonte Wade Jr. returns to the injured list with left knee inflammation, which is the same ailment that caused him to miss the first month of the season.

Wade Jr. had an MRI done on his left knee and the Giants will have an update on his recovery timetable on Monday, according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area. The 28-year-old outfielder recorded six hits, including one home run, and five walks in 32 plate appearances so far in 2022.

The Giants could not wait to get González's bat back as he started against lefty Sean Manaea in Friday night's game against the San Diego Padres. He opened some eyes in camp and continued to excel when given the chance.

The former third-round pick did not begin the season on the 40-man roster, but his contract was selected when outfield prospect Jaylin Davis was designated for assignment. González quickly impressed with his patient approach, at-bat quality, and knack for the clutch hit.

He does not hit for a lot of power but he is tough in terms of defensive positioning as he sprays the ball all over the field. In his brief time with the Giants so far, González did well to go with the pitch.

Across 73 plate appearances before Friday night's game, the left-handed bat has registered a .349/. 397/.492 line (157 OPS+) with two home runs, 15 RBI, and 11 runs. He proved to be a good situational hitter as well as he has recorded three sacrifice flies, too.

He also completed 1.1 scoreless innings on the mound against the St. Louis Cardinals last Sunday, so he has that ability locked away in the basement.

The decision to place Wade Jr. back on the injured list is a tough one as the Giants were counting on his bat being in the lineup against right-handed pitching. However, González has done well in his place and should continue to see more playing in the immediate future.