SF Giants have an idea when defensive stalwart Matt Chapman might return

SF Giants third baseman Matt Chapman is progressing nicely from his rehab from a hand injury. Chapman told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle that he expects to be back by the final homestand before the All-Star break.

SF Giants have an idea when defensive stalwart Matt Chapman might return

Chapman has been taking ground balls for a few days now and swung the bat before Tuesday's game against the Marlins. Slusser notes that the veteran bat will continue to rehab in Arizona, but prefers not to do a rehab assignment.

The final homestand takes place in the second week of July, with the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers coming to town.

Inserting Chapman back into the lineup would give the Giants a new look and another solid bat in the middle of the order. Of course, when he does return, it will be his first time in the same lineup as Rafael Devers.

Chapman has been one of the more durable players in baseball in recent seasons, appearing in at least 140 games in every full year since 2018. However, that streak could be in jeopardy if he misses nearly a full month. That will depend on how quickly he can return.

The nine-year veteran is slashing .243/.360/.452 (132 wRC+) with 12 home runs, 30 RBI, and 35 runs in 272 plate appearances this year. This includes one of the higher walk rates in baseball at 14.7 percent. He has also swiped seven bases in nine opportunities.

As is normally the case, Chapman flashes Gold Glove defense at third base. He is crucial to this team's success, and it is hard to replace his value, as he impacts the game on both sides of the ball.

That said, Casey Schmitt has filled in nicely since Chapman went on the injured list on June 10. He has posted a 1.210 OPS with four home runs and 12 RBI in 46 plate appearances. Schmitt has also made some nice plays on defense while working off some early rust. There is no path to playing time at third base once Chapman returns, but Schmitt will shift to second base with Tyler Fitzgerald being optioned on Monday.