SF Giants expected to get another key bat back soon after starting rehab assignment with Sacramento

The SF Giants could be getting another key bat back into the lineup. Casey Schmitt began a rehab assignment with the Sacramento River Cats on Saturday, collecting one hit in three at-bats in an 8-4 win over the Reno Aces.

SF Giants expected to get another key bat back soon after starting rehab assignment with Sacramento

This will be one of the more interesting Giants stories to follow in the second half of the season. In particular, Schmitt's performance over the next few weeks could guide the club's strategy at the trade deadline.

Second base has been a soft spot in the Giants' lineup. Giants second basemen have slashed .239/.293/.339 (80 wRC+) with five home runs, 32 RBI, and 32 runs in 366 plate appearances this season. Their .632 OPS is the eighth-worst mark at that position this season.

Tyler Fitzgerald has handled the bulk of the playing time at second base. Christian Koss and Brett Wisely have seen time at that position as well.

However, Casey Schmitt could take over at second base as soon as he returns. While Fitzgerald and Wisely are with the club currently, the Giants will likely option one of them when Schmitt returns.

The 26-year-old infielder filled in for Matt Chapman when he went down with a hand injury on June 10. He performed well during that stint, slashing .375/.444/.646 (207 wRC+) with four home runs, 12 RBI, and 11 runs in 54 plate appearances. This included two grand slams against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Importantly, Schmitt showed some improvement in controlling the strike zone by reducing his chase rate. He has hit for power at nearly every stop, but has been too aggressive at the plate during his time in the majors. To some degree, Schmitt has corrected that.

Unfortunately, Schmitt sustained an injury after taking a pitch off his hand in a game against the Miami Marlins at the end of June. The injury is not considered serious, and he is expected to return once he is eligible this week.

When Schmitt does return, the playing time at third base will have dried up. Matt Chapman returned to the lineup on Saturday in a 7-2 win over the Athletics. Schmitt came up as a third baseman, but that will not be in the cards on an everyday basis with the Giants. That said, there could be plenty of playing time at second base, and a good opportunity to show if his bat can stick at the major league level. That would resolve a short-term need for the club and offer a possible long-term solution.