Wade Meckler’s Promotion Highlights Recent Moves by the Giants
SAN FRANCISCO — In a whirlwind of transactions, the San Francisco Giants made several roster moves that resulted in the promotion of outfielder Wade Meckler. While Meckler is undoubtedly thrilled about the opportunity, two other young Giants outfielders, Luis Matos and Mark Mathias, found themselves disappointed as they were sent down to Triple-A.
The addition of Meckler was just one part of a flurry of moves made by the Giants. Johan Camargo also joined the MLB roster, while Luis Matos and Mark Mathias were shifted to Triple-A. To create space on the 40-man roster, the Giants placed right-hander Anthony DeSclafani on the 60-day injured list and designated outfielder Luis Gonzalez, who had just recovered from back surgery.
Although Matos is expected to return and is still considered the most likely choice as the long-term center fielder at Oracle Park, it appears that Gonzalez’s time with the Giants has come to an end. With no options left for next season and the team not envisioning him in their plans for the next six weeks, Gonzalez was let go by the organization. Despite this, manager Gabe Kapler commended Gonzalez’s skills as a hitter and athlete, but stressed that Meckler’s emergence resulted in a better roster fit for the team.
Gonzalez’s season was marred by a back injury that required surgery, forcing him to miss a significant amount of time. He hoped to play his way back into the fold during spring training but did not make it back to Triple-A until late July. By then, Matos had solidified his position in Oracle Park. However, when outfielder Mike Yastrzemski suffered a setback with his hamstring, Meckler was brought in as a replacement for Matos.
Kapler met with Matos to discuss his demotion and expressed his confidence in the young outfielder’s abilities. He encouraged Matos to strive for a future batting title and a Gold Glove Award and emphasized the importance of adding strength to his frame during the offseason. While Matos’ offensive numbers were underwhelming at the time of his demotion, Kapler believed that his swing and approach were solid and that he just needed to be rewarded for his contact. Additionally, Matos will focus on improving his defensive jumps during his time in Triple-A.
Yastrzemski, who was expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday, suffered another setback with his hamstring and will be shut down for the remainder of the week. This is the third time this season that Yastrzemski has been on the injured list with a left hamstring strain. Despite this setback, Kapler expressed confidence that Yastrzemski will overcome this hurdle and contribute down the stretch.
Finally, Wilmer Flores was a late scratch from the lineup due to an ear infection and nausea. Camargo replaced him in the starting lineup and made his Giants debut. Kapler is hopeful that Flores will be available for Tuesday’s game.
The Giants continue to make roster adjustments as they strive for success in the second half of the season. With the promotion of Wade Meckler, the team hopes to bolster their outfield depth and continue their push for a playoff spot.