SF Giants add versatile infielder in waiver claim with the Houston Astros

The SF Giants did not play a game on Thursday, but they did make a roster move. Versatile infielder Shay Whitcomb was claimed off of waivers from the Houston Astros and optioned him to Triple-A, per the team's transaction log.

In a corresponding move, Trevor McDonald was transferred to the 60-day injured list. His season ended prematurely after undergoing Tommy John surgery in July.

McDonald will likely miss much of the 2027 season as well. The recovery timeline ranges from 12 months to 18 months, with starting pitchers usually needing a little extra time to recover. The right-handed hurler finished the year with a 5.12 ERA in 14 appearances. The overall numbers were not great, but he had some encouraging starts in his most extended look in a Giants uniform.

The Giants add to a growing list of utility infielders on the 40-man roster who have not necessarily separated themselves from the crowd. Christian Koss, Nate Furman, and Osleivis Basabe are all vying for playing time. Shay Whitcomb joins that group.

Interestingly, Furman was added to the roster at the start of August, but has seen scant playing time over the past week. Unfortunately, this has been a common theme in Tony Vitello's first season as manager, where bench players do not really have a role, nor do they see any consistent playing time. With a 50-71 record, it is not as if there are no opportunities to mix some players into the lineup every few games.

SF Giants bolster infield depth with latest waiver claim

Whitcomb was originally a fifth-round pick in the 2020 draft by the Houston Astros out of the University of California - San Diego. In six minor league seasons, he has put up a .262/.335/.477 line with an 8.9 percent walk rate, 27.6 percent strikeout rate, and .215 ISO.

The right-handed bat made his debut for the Astros in 2024. Since then, he has posted a .507 OPS in 102 plate appearances across three seasons.

In the batter's box, Whitcomb flashes decent raw power and pulls the ball in the air at a healthy rate. That power comes through nicely in games, as he has surpassed 20 home runs in four minor league seasons. His career high is 35 home runs, set back in 2023. Whitcomb is also an aggressive hitter, especially on pitches out of the zone, and struggles to make contact. That has led to high strikeout rates as a pro.

The 27-year-old infielder has spent the bulk of his pro career at shortstop, but he has seen considerable time at second base and third base as well. Over the past couple of years, he has even picked up some time in left field.

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