Giants’ First Base Dilemma as Season Begins

SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants are facing an interesting situation at first base with a regular slugger expected to play, a top prospect who recently spent time in the minors, and a free agent addition who’s mostly been in the minors over the past couple of seasons.

Interestingly, no one has actually started at first base for the Giants in the opening games this season.

“Right now, it feels like we need to shake things up based on what we’ve observed,” manager Tony Vitello commented. For the infield, utility player Casey Schmidt took the spot at first against the Yankees on Friday, while Rafael Devers continued as designated hitter for the second consecutive game.

Schmidt has started the first two games despite having less experience at first base than Luis Arraez, who joined the team as a second baseman. Although Schmidt, naturally a third baseman, is generally considered a better defensive option at second, Arraez expressed optimism about eventually getting to play second base after signing a one-year, $12 million contract this winter.

Arraez hasn’t played regularly at second since 2023 due to some defensive concerns, but he assured the California Post on Friday that he’s “100 percent” ready for the position.

“That’s exactly why I decided to come here,” he shared with the Post.

Vitello mentioned that Arraez “definitely knows he’ll be called upon as a first baseman at some point this season.”

Given Devers’ ongoing hamstring issues and the choice to send top prospect Bryce Eldridge to Triple-A, this didn’t seem like the right moment to make a major change.

“I think Arraez is adaptable and will do whatever’s required, wherever he fits in,” Vitello noted.

For now, Schmidt is viewed as the best option for the Giants, along with Eldridge, who hit a home run in two exhibition games but will begin the season in Triple-A. Right-handed option Gerard Encarnacion will likely fall short in his defensive capabilities, according to Vitello.

“Gerard has a strong motivation to improve in that area,” Vitello remarked. “But Casey is probably the slightly better defensive choice right now.”

The Giants are optimistic about Devers being capable of playing first base defensively, but they’re proceeding with caution regarding a hamstring strain he suffered during spring training.

Devers has only been on the field once since experiencing the hamstring strain on February 27, and he practiced at first base prior to the game on Friday.

“If he had to, he could absolutely take the field today. I know he’d be thrilled,” Vitello said. “But we have to prioritize communication with our medical staff to ensure we’re making the best decisions for everyone involved in this long season. If we think it’s better for him to play first base in a critical game, we’ll go for it.”

Vitello indicated that Devers’ discomfort has “reduced” and feels “significantly better” than it did when he was in Arizona. Still, Devers mentioned he’s feeling a bit of tightness in his hamstring.

“We’re making sure we’re setting him up for the best possible future,” Vitello said. “I’m not a fan of players making some progress only to backtrack.”

Giants’ Starting Rotation Strategy

Buster Posey opted not to make changes to the Giants’ Opening Day roster, even with a couple of off days in the early part of the season.

The starting rotation is an area where the Giants might benefit from the unusual schedule. Tyler Mahle is set to pitch in the last game of the series on Saturday, but the Giants could potentially skip Adrian Hauser or Landen Loop and instead start Logan Webb and Robbie Ray.

Webb is expected to start Game 1 against the Padres, while Ray is lined up for regular rest until the Wednesday game. Either Loop or Hauser will likely make their season debut in Tuesday’s matchup.

“Since the season has five days in a row, you can arrange your roster however you prefer. There’s a good chance your starting five might differ slightly due to added off days,” Vitello explained.

Hayden Birdsong Undergoes Surgery

The Giants have announced that Hayden Birdsong underwent successful surgery on Wednesday to address the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Dr. Keith Meister did the operation, and Birdsong, 24, will start his rehabilitation at the Giants’ facility in Arizona this week, but he’s anticipated to miss the remainder of the season.

“I was about to check in with him. I was relieved because I was meant to be the coach, but Hayden ended up giving me some coaching guidance,” Vitello said. “He had some great advice that I’ll definitely keep in mind moving forward.”