With a minuscule shot at reaching the postseason, the Giants are bringing up the kids.
Top prospect Marco Luciano, pitcher Tristan Beck and promising infielder Tyler Fitzgerald are joining the Giants in Los Angeles Thursday as part of a slew of roster moves as the club runs out the clock of the 2023 season.
After a 1-5 road trip, the Giants fell to .500 and practically out of a bunched National League wild card race. They started Thursday three games out of a wild card spot with a 1.9% chance at making the postseason, per Fangraphs.
So, with little left to play for, the Giants recalled Luciano and Beck and selected Fitzgerland. They optioned Sean Hjelle and released veteran shortstop Paul DeJong, who hit .184 in 18 games as a Giant.
Perhaps the most historically significant move is placing Brandon Crawford on the 10-day injured list. Crawford, who tweaked his hamstring in Wednesday’s game, is the most decorated shortstop in franchise history, but his career as a Giant could be winding down.
Crawford, 36, has hit .197 this season and will still be eligible to play in the team’s final game against the Dodgers. Given his contract is up after the season, that could be the last time Giants fans see him in orange or black — or, depending on his goals, as an active player.
Luciano debuted earlier this year, but got sent down after four games and then suffered a hamstring injury in Triple-A. Still viewed as the Giants’ most powerful hitting prospect in the system, he’ll have to prove that he can stay healthy consistently. He’s only 22 years old, and could take over for Crawford at the position.
Another shortstop with potential is Fitzgerald, who has had a tremendous season for the River Cats. In 102 games with the River Cats, the speedy infielder has hit 20 home runs and stolen 29 bases, significantly improving his plate discipline in the process.
Fitzgerald is set to become the 12th Giants rookie to debut in 2023.
Beck could get a chance to start in Dodger Stadium, with the final two starters of their imminent four-game series listed as TBA. Top prospect Kyle Harrison is starting Thursday night’s series opener.
Unlike last season, when the Giants clawed to .500 with a strong September when they were already out of the playoff race, San Francisco collapsed from contention to mediocrity. SF has gone 6-12 in September as its offense never pulled out of a monthslong slog.
To cap the year off, unproven rookies will get some Major League experience.