Veteran infielder has memorable debut shortly after signing with SF Giants

If you tuned into the SF Giants game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, you will have noticed that they had a new face in Paul DeJong. The Giants officially announced the move on Wednesday morning. Veteran infielder Johan Camargo was designated for assignment in a corresponding roster move according to the team's transaction log.

Veteran infielder has memorable debut shortly after signing with SF Giants

The Giants signed Camargo to a minor league deal just about 10 days ago. He was added to the active roster two days later. They have been desperate to find production at shortstop as that has been an extremely weak link in the lineup.

Giants shortstops are slashing .198/.261/.298 (54 wRC+) with eight home runs, 59 RBI, and 50 runs in 530 plate appearances in 2023. Most of that production has come from Casey Schmitt and Brandon Crawford. Schmitt has struggled to adjust to major league pitching, whereas Crawford has been plagued by injuries.

Unfortunately, Camargo was unable to provide much help as he recorded just four hits, all singles, in 18 at-bats with one walk against four strikeouts. The seven-year veteran has experience at shortstop. He makes the routine plays, but he does not have great range. He is better suited for second base or third base.

On the other hand, Paul DeJong is a shortstop with a reputation for steady glovework at a premium position. The Giants were connected to him prior to the trade deadline, but he was shipped to the Toronto Blue Jays.

His Blue Jays tenure was brief as he recorded just three hits in 44 at-bats before being released. The right-handed bat recorded three hits, including a two-run home run, and four RBI in his Giants debut, so he made an immediate impression.

Across seven seasons, DeJong has registered a .230/.301/.420 (94 wRC+) with a 7.7 percent walk rate against a 26.6 percent strikeout rate. He offers modest power and he has eclipsed the 20-homer threshold twice in his career.

Even if he can replicate his career slash line, that would be a huge boost to a Giants lineup that has been starving for offense. With that being said, DeJong has struggled to the tune of a .632 OPS over his last three seasons, so he has not been a reliable hitter recently, which is why he was even available.

Nevertheless, he has a reputation for good defense and has some offensive upside that is better in comparison to what the Giants have received from the shortstop position this season. If he performs, it is likely that DeJong could see considerable playing time down the stretch. That has been the case for just about every shortstop they have auditioned.