San Francisco Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski has been activated from the injured list. Can he boost a struggling Giants offense?
The Giants have had a trying month of August, particularly on the offensive side. With Yastrzemski activated, San Francisco hopes that he will boost the lineup’s production. Since the beginning of the month, the Giants have been the 5th-worst offense in the league by WRC+ at 81 (100 is the league average). Yastrzemski strained his left hamstring on July 31st. The loss has been a factor in San Francisco’s current struggles. This season, Yastrzemski has slashed .233/.314/.439 with 11 home runs, suitable for a 105 WRC+. Though he’s been slightly better than the league average, he will boost a lineup that has created runs nearly 20% worse.
The Giants optioned outfielder Luis Matos to Triple-A to clear roster space for Yastrzemski’s activation. Matos, who entered the season as the Giants’ #4 prospect, struggled in his two big league stints this year. He was called up in June to make his debut and spent two months in San Francisco. He was optioned on August 14th and rejoined the club on August 20th. Across 180 at-bats, he slashed .250/.311/.356. Though he didn’t experience extreme success, Matos is still a highly touted prospect in the Giants system and did enough to encourage fans of his future. His option was almost entirely due to the roster spot he held.
A Crowded Pennant Race
Following a win over the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night, the Giants hold the third National League wild card by just a half-game over the Arizona Diamondbacks. With Yastrzemski activated, they hope to widen that lead. Four teams are locked in a battle for that final spot, with only three games separating the Giants and the Miami Marlins, the last of these four. A more potent offense is the key for San Francisco to pull away from the field. In August, the Giants have had the 10th-ranked pitching staff in baseball by ERA. Now that Yastrzemski and fellow outfielder Mitch Haniger have returned, the offense is better equipped to pull their weight. The Giants will need all hands-on deck with a tough battle in the NL playoff race.
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