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With Jeff Samardzija scheduled to return from the disabled list today and Joe Panik exiting last night’s game with a groin injury, we expected some moves today.
Though the battle for the bottom two rotation spots has been well fought, Chris Stratton fell short to Andrew Suárez and Dereck Rodríguez and was optioned back to triple-A Sacramento. For now. The Giants haven’t had a set rotation all year and I don’t necessarily expect that to change now. But for now, Stratton was the weak link of the rotation (who still has options) and so he draws the short straw.
Meanwhile, Joe Panik is heading to the 10-day disabled list. I think many people, including myself, meant that Kelby Tomlinson would once again be using his rotating door between San Francisco and Sacramento. But the Giants purchased the contract of Chase d’Arnaud instead.
You may remember that d’Arnaud had a fantastic spring and was one of the few remaining players vying for an infield bench roster spot, which he lost to Tomlinson and Pablo Sandoval. So it will be great to see him get a chance up with the team, even if it will be in a small capacity.
Hanson will play most games at second, d’Arnaud will face lefties and be available to give Crawford and Pablo days off. Bochy: “His versatility will come in handy—he swings the bat well, he’ll steal you a base...he’s a fun guy.” #SFGiants
— Julie Parker (@insidethepark3r) July 7, 2018
To make room for d’Arnaud on the 40-man roster, Hunter Strickland has been moved to the 60-day disabled list, joining Evan Longoria. Longoria is expected to return around the first week of August, Strickland the week after.