© Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
LOS ANGELES — Six years ago, on April 8, 2012, Gregor Blanco first heard his named called in the starting lineup for the San Francisco Giants.
On Saturday, Blanco’s name broke through the noise of the crowd at Dodger Stadium in what was his first start since rejoining the Giants this offseason. It was also Blanco’s 2018 debut. He went 2-for-3 with two singles and a walk.
“It was great,” Blanco said. “It was good to see my name in the lineup and to be a part of this great dynasty, that I’ve been here for a couple years now.”
Blanco played for the Giants from 2012-2016, where he won two World Series championships and made a diving play that saved Matt Cain’s perfect game. Before that, Blanco went 1-for-5 in his first start with the Giants while dealing with a fair share of nerves.
“It’s definitely different,” Blanco said. “In 2012, I was more nervous. Yesterday, it was more emotional. I was more pumped.
“It was like, ‘man, it’s awesome to be here,’” Blanco added. “Back in 2012, it was a lot about the players and the fans. I was nervous, playing with these guys. Now, it was more emotional feelings.”
After his contract expired, Blanco signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2016. He batted .246 in 90 games with the D’Backs and once again found himself as a free agent this offseason.
He was on the market for several months before the Giants signed him to a minor league deal, which included a spring training invite. Thankful for the opportunity he was given, Blanco batted .303 with two doubles, two triples, and a home run this spring.
It was enough to earn him a spot on the major league roster as a backup outfielder. From there, it was only a matter of time before Blanco saw his name in the starting lineup.
He was sure to take a minute to soak in the moment.
“I had butterflies in my stomach,” Blanco said. “It was a good feeling. I remember, I was in the outfield and it was like the second inning and I was like, ‘man, it feels awesome to be here again.’”
Now, Blanco’s eyes are set on his first start at AT&T Park.
For the time being, the Giants plan to platoon Austin Jackson and Blanco in center field. They’ll start Jackson against left-handed pitchers and throw Blanco against righties, meaning he could start at AT&T Park as early as Wednesday to face Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners.
Nonetheless, when Blanco sees his name in the starting lineup, it’s never about him.
Rather, it’s about his team.
“When I’m in the lineup, I’m always thinking about winning games,” Blanco said. “I think when you win games and you’re in the lineup, it doesn’t matter what happens. I just always think about winning.
“I don’t care about me,” Blanco added. “I just care about producing for my team. It can be defense or offense. All my mindset is winning, so definitely just looking forward to winning when I play that game.”
Keaton Moore covers the Giants for KNBR.com. Follow Keaton on Twitter at @KeatonAMoore.