Speedy SF Giants outfielder has a chance to shine with starters at WBC

With the World Baseball Classic starting soon, all three SF Giants starting outfielders are away with their respective teams. That has opened the door for some other players like the speedy Jared Oliva to get some playing time in spring training.

If everything goes according to plan. on Opening Night against the New York Yankees the Giants will have Harrison Bader in center field, Heliot Ramos in left field, and Jung Hoo Lee in right field. Bader was signed to help strengthen the team's outfield defense as their new center fielder and the trio got some work in early in spring training so they could establish chemistry and communication in the outfield.

Now, Bader is playing for Team Israel, Ramos is playing for Team Puerto Rico, and Lee is playing for Team South Korea. That means they will be out of camp for a little bit which creates opportunities for guys fighting to make the team.

Fringe SF Giants outfielders have a chance to play thanks to WBC

This situation obviously opens the door for guys like Luis Matos and Jerar Encarnacion, two outfielders fighting to make the team who do not have any minor league options left.

It also opens the door for guys who probably won't make the team but are nonetheless making a good impression. Oliva is certainly one of those guys.

The former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder hasn't played in the big leagues since 2021, but he has shown off his speed and defensive abilities in spring training. He has already stolen four bases and made a nice catch up against the fence on Wednesday night against the Seattle Mariners. He also has five hits in 13 at-bats.

The Giants signed him in the offseason to have some added outfield depth and it looks like a pretty smart signing so far. Manager Tony Vitello was interviewed during the broadcast on Wednesday night and he was very complimentary of Oliva, saying that other players in camp had nothing but good things to say about him.

Oliva stole 57 bases last season in the minors so his speed is unquestioned. While he probably won't make the team out of spring training, maybe if Bader or another outfielder goes down with an injury he will be the guy who gets called up as a replacement.

The Giants can always use more speed so it may not be the worst idea to have a burner on the bench who can come in defensively or serve as a pinch runner if necessary.