The San Francisco Giants have a lot of depth. That’s a very good thing to have, but it occasionally can feel frustrating.
Such was the case on Monday, when the Giants activated left-handed outfielder Alex Dickerson and right-handed outfielder and first baseman Darin Ruf off of the 10-day Injured List. To make room for the two power hitters, the Giants optioned left-handed third baseman Jason Vosler and left-handed outfielder and first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr.
ROSTER MOVES: OF Alex Dickerson & IF/OF Darin Ruf both returned from their rehab assignments and reinstated from the 10-day Injured List.
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) June 21, 2021
IF Jason Vosler & OF LaMonte Wade Jr. optioned postgame yesterday (June 20) to triple-A Sacramento.
It’s optioning Wade that is going to raise some eyebrows, as the lefty has been having a breakout season. Wade is slashing .265/.344/.470 in his first season with the Giants, with 4 home runs in 94 plate appearances and decent defense. His wRC+ of 127 is eighth on the team among regular players, and he’s been worth 0.5 fWAR and 0.6 rWAR.
It’s safe to say he’ll be back, and that optioning him was not an easy choice for the Giants. But that’s just how life goes when you have ample depth.
Ruf’s return in particular should help the Giants, especially since they’ve been short on right-handed hitters since Evan Longoria’s injury. Ruf is hitting .244/.370/.512 on the year, good for a 140 wRC+.
Dickerson on the other hand has struggled to find his footing in his third season with the Giants, and is hitting just .226/.295/.398, with a below league average wRC+ of 95. Hopefully some time on the sidelines to get healthy has helped him find his timing and rhythm at the plate.