SF Giants seem to be hinting at unlikely starting first baseman to begin the season

The SF Giants seem to be pretty much set with the position players who will make the Opening Day roster. There could always be some surprises, but as of right now the Giants seem likely to carry three players they'd be comfortable with playing first base: Rafael Devers, Casey Schmitt, and Jerar Encarnacion.

There is a chance that the Giants will roll with Casey Schmitt as the starting first baseman to begin the regular season if there are some lingering concerns about Devers' hamstring issue. Ever since Devers returned to the lineup in spring training on March 9, he has only played at first base one time.

Tellingly, in Monday night's exhibition game at Oracle Park between the Giants and the Sultanes de Monterrey, a Mexican League team, Devers was the designated hitter and Schmitt was the first baseman.

SF Giants may have to go with Casey Schmitt at first base to begin the season

Maybe the Giants are just being cautious and Devers is getting work at first base behind the scenes, but if they are planning on using him as their starting first baseman to begin the campaign, it would make sense to get him some reps at the position ahead of Wednesday night's season opener.

Encarnacion can also play first base, but he is better suited for a corner outfield spot and, if we're being honest, he is really best suited to be the DH and nothing else. His defense is not completely atrocious, but the Giants certainly trust Schmitt and his smooth middle infielder hands over at first more than they do Encarnacion.

Schmitt proved last year that he can play quite well at first base. It was a surprise when manager Bob Melvin threw him out there in early April, but the San Diego State product acquitted himself quite nicely and earned himself more playing time out there. He played 120 innings at first base last season and only made one error.

There were a lot of trade rumors swirling around Schmitt in the offseason especially when it was reported that the Giants were looking to upgrade at second base. While the Luis Arraez signing seemed like it would cut into Schmitt's playing time, it seems like he is still going to get a fair amount of opportunities.

The fact that he can play third base, shortstop, second base, and first, playing them all quite well I might add, makes him a very valuable player so it makes sense why the Giants decided to keep him.

If Bryce Eldridge gets called up at some point that will likely cut into Schmitt's playing time at first, as would Devers getting healthier and being able to play first regularly, but at least to begin the season do not be shocked to see a lot of Schmitt over at first base.