Why the SF Giants optioned a young outfielder to Double-A

The SF Giants did not make a move to their active roster on Wednesday. However, they did option young outfielder Luis Matos to Double-A according to the team's transaction log.

Why the SF Giants optioned a young outfielder to Double-A

In a corresponding move on Richmond's roster, Brandon Martorano was released. He was drafted in the 16th round of the 2019 draft out of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The Giants have begun trimming from the 2019 draft over the past few months. This includes releasing a pair of high picks from that draft class at the end of July.

Martorano had been serving as catching and outfield depth throughout the organization. He would often be moved to whichever affiliate had a need. This included a stint with the Sacramento River Cats earlier in the year when they nearly ran out of catching depth in the upper minors. In parts of five seasons in the minors, Martorano posted a .706 OPS with a 12.8 percent walk rate with a 31.9 percent strikeout rate.

On the other hand, Matos rejoins the Richmond Flying Squirrels after appearing briefly with them in 2023. In 133 plate appearances, he registered a .304/.399/.444 line with three home runs, 16 RBI, and 18 runs. He also recorded more walks (17) than strikeouts (12) before earning a promotion to Triple-A and eventually the majors.

However, the right-handed bat being optioned to Double-A is likely not a demotion. Rather, the Giants are finishing up a seven-game road trip on the East Coast and Heliot Ramos has been battling a thumb ailment.

Ramos has returned to the lineup and even hit a home run on Tuesday in an 11-5 loss against the Washington Nationals. The thumb appears to be fine, but the Giants want Matos close in case they need to make a roster move. Richmond is a short trip away from Washington D.C.

Overall, the 2024 campaign has been a struggle for Matos. He tallied a .571 OPS with four home runs and 24 RBI in 143 plate appearances earlier this season. His Triple-A numbers are not much better either. The 22-year-old outfielder has recorded a .742 OPS with 255 plate appearances with the Sacramento River Cats.

It will likely be a brief stop, but Matos returns to familiar territory while the Giants are on the East Coast.