SF Giants rob young bat of much-needed experience with latest roster move

The SF Giants made a bit of a controversial move on Monday as they reinstated outfielder Jerar Encarnacion from the IL while sending Luis Matos down to Triple-A which is going to rob him of much-needed experience.

The Giants were in a tough spot with this decision because they had to make a choice on what to do with Encarnacion. He had been on a lengthy rehab assignment and they had to either reinstate him or place him on waivers since he is out of minor league options.

SF Giants rob young bat of much-needed experience with roster move

The Giants signed Encarnacion last season after he impressed in the Mexican League. In 35 games with the Giants last season, Encarnacion slashed .248/.277/.425 with five home runs and 19 runs batted in.

Encarnacion impressed in spring training and looked like he was a lock to make the Opening Day roster, but he injured his hand and was out for the first few months of the season. When he returned there was hope he could help turn around a struggling offense, but in 22 at-bats this season he has just three hits.

The 27-year-old does seem to have a good amount of potential and has a lot of pop in his bat so the Giants seem to be giving him one last chance to prove himself. Yet, they would be better served giving at-bats to Matos.

The 23-year-old's stats on the year are not great as he is slashing .167/.208/.351 with five home runs and 13 runs driven in. He did have a great moment against the Dodgers earlier in the year, though.

Part of the reason why Matos has struggled to find a rhythm at the plate is because he has seen such infrequent play primarily being a bench player. After the Giants traded Mike Yastrzemski though, it opened the door for Matos to get some extended playing time.

Instead, he is back with Sacramento yet again. The Giants are going to have to decide soon if Matos can be a legitimate part of the team's plans in right field. He has proven he can get hot at the big league level, but sticking him back in Triple-A is not going to help the Giants determine if he can make an impact at the big league level.

For now, Encarnacion will get one last shot to prove himself. If he struggles though, the Giants need to move on from him and call up Matos so he can get the at-bats he needs as a developing young player.

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