Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants’ roster is virtually the same as it was Sunday. They bridged and survived the trade deadline without any significant additions of subtractions, a fact Gabe Kapler takes as an “endorsement.”
Farhan Zaidi said Monday he believes in the club, though admitted they had been in the market for a lefty bat and a righty relief arm. The Giants’ lineup against southpaws has fared much better, and their bullpen leans lefty.
But neither was addressed, nor were Kevin Gausman, Johnny Cueto or Tony Watson — or anyone else — traded away. In a COVID-shortened season in which everything is different, Zaidi and Scott Harris stayed quiet.
A day later, Kapler arranged a lineup against Colorado righty Jon Gray that featured righties Wilmer Flores at DH and Donovan Solano at second. They have stepped up and forced their way into everyday playing time, regardless of the opposing pitcher. Mauricio Dubon started in center, the Giants hoping he will hit righty pitching better and happy with his recent at-bats.
“I think there’s some confidence in those guys to continue to get the job done,” Kapler said, directly referencing Flores and Solano, over Zoom before Tuesday’s game at Coors Field. “I think there’s continued confidence that Pablo Sandoval’s bat will come around and be a force if we need him to be in there against some right-handed pitching.
“[The Giants’ quiet deadline] I think [shows] a general belief that the lineup that we’re putting out there today has a chance to be successful.”
Righty Trevor Gott had flamed out of his closing role, but he’s settled down recently. Sam Coonrod has taken a step forward as a righty, late-game arm, and Tyler Rogers has been a solid option all year.
“It hasn’t been perfect,” Kapler acknowledged, his Giants entering and leaving the deadline at 17-19 and very much in the playoff race. “Everybody knows that we’ve had some missteps along the way. But I think in general it’s an endorsement, and I’m glad to be here with this group today.”
Several members of that group had expressed public hope Zaidi would do what he eventually did: not much. Players such as Evan Longoria wanted a chance for this group to reach the postseason without offloading pieces. Alex Dickerson said this weekend, though, that those conversations have not been present in the clubhouse.
It’s strange to have a trade deadline after 36 games, and Dickerson said his teammates just hadn’t paid much attention — which is always the contention, but one that Kapler seconded.
“Maybe that just has to do with the fact that we have a shortened first half and maybe it has to do with, we just didn’t really have time to just sit back and think about [the deadline] much,” the manager said. “But that really came off as an accurate depiction of the conversations that were being had in the clubhouse and in the dugout over the course of the days leading up to the deadline.”
The Giants called up Daniel Robertson from the taxi squad, activating the recent pickup from the Rays to replace Joey Rickard on the roster.
While the Giants can view him as a righty shortstop alternative to Brandon Crawford, Robertson said he feels comfortable playing a corner-outfield spot (or anywhere around the infield), too.
The Giants said Austin Slater (right elbow flexor strain/mild left groin strain) was sent to Sacramento on Monday and they hope he will return this weekend.
Other medical updates from the Giants:
— Drew Smyly (left index finger sprain) was sent to Sacramento on Tuesday to throw a live bullpen session.
— Jeff Samardzija (right shoulder inflammation) also was scheduled to throw a live batting practice in Sacramento.
— Reyes Moronta (recovery from right shoulder surgery) was set to throw a bullpen session in Sacramento and a live batting practice at the end of the week in Sacramento. He is still a possibility to return this year.
— Rickard (left elbow inflammation) had an MRI on Monday and will see a doctor on Thursday for a full exam.
— Aramis Garcia (right hip labrum repair) is “continuing to ramp up all baseball activity” in Scottsdale, the Giants said.