WEST SACRAMENTO — The production, alone, don’t fully encapsulate Matt Chapman’s value to the Giants. To manager Bob Melvin, Chapman is unquestionably also this team’s leader.
“But the intensity he brings on the field every day — he’s kind of the heartbeat of the team,” Melvin said on Friday.
The team’s heartbeat, then, is back. Following a rehab game with Triple-A Sacramento on Friday as the Giants were blown out by the A’s, San Francisco activated Chapman off the injured list ahead of Saturday’s contest. Chapman is slated to start at third and bat cleanup as Logan Webb takes the mound.
In a corresponding move, the Giants designated infielder Sergio Alcántara for assignment. Additionally, right-hander Mason Black was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento after throwing four innings of relief on Friday while right-hander Tristan Beck was recalled.
Chapman returns to the team in the midst of their worst stretch of the season. The Giants went 9-14 without Chapman in the lineup, and they’ve lost eight of their last 11 games. Their recent skid includes being swept by the Miami Marlins at home, as well as losing two of three to the Chicago White Sox.
In Chapman’s absence, the Giants had to patch together the third base position.
Related Articles
Sputtering SF Giants activate Matt Chapman, and not a moment too soon
SF Giants embarrassed by A’s on all-around shoddy Fourth of July night
‘It felt a little different’: SF Giants share thoughts ahead of first game at Sutter Health Park
SF Giants-Athletics rivalry has devolved into the battle for Yolo County
20 years after debut, SF Giants’ Verlander reflects on first career start
Casey Schmitt took over for Chapman and put together one of the best stretches of baseball in his career. He got injured after taking a sinker to the hand.
Christian Koss, in turn, took over for Schmitt. He, too, played well. He, too, got injured, sustaining a left hamstring injury that will sideline him until the second half.
After losing Koss — their third-string third baseman — Melvin had to get creative. Wilmer Flores made a rare appearance at third base on Tuesday. Brett Wisely got the starting nod on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, Sergio Alcántara started at the hot corner in his first action with San Francisco this season.
Chapman will finally have an opportunity to play alongside Rafael Devers, who the Giants acquired while he was still on the injured list. In 17 games with the Giants, Devers is hitting .215/.307/.369 with two homers and nine RBIs.
Check back for more on this developing story.
