SF Giants welcome back Mitch Haniger, place speedy outfielder on waivers

The SF Giants offense got a boost on Tuesday night as Mitch Haniger was activated from the 60-day injured list. Heliot Ramos was optioned back to Triple-A, whereas Bryce Johnson was designated for assignment in corresponding moves, per a team announcement.

SF Giants welcome back Mitch Haniger, place speedy outfielder on waivers

The Giants inked Haniger to a three-year, $43.5 million deal this past offseason with the hopes that he would bolster the lineup. That has not come to fruition yet as the right-handed bat is slashing .230/.281/.372 (79 OPS+) with four home runs, 22 RBI, and 20 runs in 160 plate appearances.

Haniger missed the first month of the season with an oblique strain and has been out since the middle of June after sustaining a forearm fracture. Though, his numbers have not been great, he does have a track record of production and helps to lengthen the lineup.

The 32-year-old began a rehab assignment last week and recorded one hit in 17 at-bats. The results are not necessarily as important as the fact that he is healthy enough to swing a bat again.

To make room on the roster, Ramos was optioned back to the Sacramento River Cats in what has become a yo-yo season. The former top pick was recalled just a few days ago and recorded one hit in seven at-bats before being sent back down.

Ramos is having his best season yet in Triple-A, slashing .307/.369/.566 with nine home runs, 39 RBI, and 31 runs in 187 plate appearances. He struggled in his first two seasons in Triple-A, which is not surprising given that he was facing off against older competition.

Ramos is still just 23 years old. Though, it does feel like the front office does not believe in his upside, but that could be me just reading too much between the lines.

To open up a spot on the 40-man roster, Bryce Johnson was placed on waivers. The switch-hitting outfielder struggled to the tune of a .485 OPS in 48 plate appearances with the Giants in 2023, but he can still help a team in need of a good base-stealing threat and an excellent defensive outfielder.

Though, the chances are good that Johnson clears waivers. If he does, he would have the option to elect free agency as he was outrighted off of the 40-man roster once before.