SF Giants DFA Vallejo native to make room for newly acquired outfielder

The SF Giants have called up outfielder Drew Gilbert who they recently acquired in the Tyler Rogers trade with the New York Mets. The Giants designated Vallejo native Daniel Johnson for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Gilbert.

Gilbert will will make his MLB debut tonight as he will start in right field and bat ninth. The 24-year-old has slashed .262/.369/.466 with 14 home runs and 55 RBI in the minors this season.

SF Giants DFA Daniel Johnson to make room for Drew Gilbert

This move comes after Jerar Encarnacion went down with an injury on Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates which led to him being placed on the 10-day IL. While it was yet another rough break for Encarnacion, it creates an opportunity for the newly-acquired Gilbert to impress in his debut.

Additionally, Johnson has been DFA'd. He had not been with the Giants for a little bit, but he had some success earlier in the year when he was added to the team to try and shake things up on offense. In 29 at-bats with the Giants this season, Johnson slashed .172/.226/.345 with one home run which was also his lone run batted in.

Johnson did impress with his speed on the bases as well as his defense in the outfield, but he was simply not doing enough at the plate to warrant playing time.

Gilbert brings a similar profile to the table as a player with speed who is a strong defender but may not be the strongest hitter. His numbers in the minors are not terrible by any stretch, but it would be a surprise if he hits for a high batting average with the Giants.

Nonetheless, it is always fun when a new players makes their debut. After the Giants traded away long-time right fielder Mike Yastrzemski, they have basically conducted an open audition in right field. Luis Matos saw time there before getting demoted, Grant McCray has seen time there, Encarnacion was going to get a look before getting hurt, so Gilbert can now be added to that list.

We will see how his debut goes and whether he can do enough in the last few months of the season to give himself a shot at making the team in 2026.

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