The SF Giants reversed a decision to option infielder Mark Mathias to Triple-A Sacramento on Friday and placed him on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder strain. He had been optioned to clear a spot on the roster for Johan Camargo earlier this week. By doing this, the Giants keep Mathias from counting against the total number of minor-league players in the organization, making it slightly easier to stay within the current 180-player cap. While Mathias is obviously not available to manager Gabe Kapler, he will receive a pro-rated MLB salary during his IL stint since he is now on the big-league roster.
Mathias was acquired by the Giants at the trade deadline in a deal with the Seattle Mariners. He was unable to capitalize on a short MLB stint with the team, going 2-for-10 with four strikeouts and zero walks across five games. Granted, he did record a clutch two-run single in extra innings against the Angels.
Born in Santa Clara, California, Mathias was drafted in the third round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of Cal Poly by the Cleveland Guardians. A soft-hitting versatile defender, Mathias climbed Cleveland's minor-league ranks before he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers following the 2019 season. In 2020, Mathias made his MLB debut with the Brew Crew.
After receiving just 53 big-league plate appearances with Milwaukee, Mathias was traded to the Texas Rangers in a package for Matt Bush. In Texas, Mathias hit .277/.365/.554 with three doubles and five home runs in 74 plate appearances. Heading into this season, Mathias seemed like a solid candidate to find a bench role for Rangers manager Bruce Bochy but instead was traded to the Pirates for a minor-league pitcher.
Mathias hit just .231/.355/.269 in 62 plate appearances with the Pirates, although he did walk (10) nearly as much as he struck out (11) and was designated for assignment. He was claimed off waivers by the Mariners, where he played at Triple-A before he was dealt to the SF Giants alongside outfielder A.J. Pollock.
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