Giants Add Jared Oliva to Opening Day Roster

SAN FRANCISCO — Jared Oliva, 30, hasn’t played in the major leagues since 2021, but that might change now that he’s made it onto the Giants’ opening day roster.

The Giants, led by Buster Posey, chose Oliva over 24-year-old Luis Matos, who was designated for assignment just before the season opener against the Yankees.

Oliva, who topped the Cactus League with 14 stolen bases, is set to be a pinch runner and serve as a second backup outfielder along with Gerard Encarnacion.

In opting for Oliva—who has a career batting average of .179—and Encarnacion, a slugger from the Mexican League, the Giants passed up on former top prospect Matos, who had no remaining options.

When the Giants finalized their roster, most decisions were already made and there weren’t many surprises.

Daniel Suszak, a Rule 5 pick, secured the backup catcher position over Eric Haas after impressing at the plate. If he doesn’t make the 26-man roster, the Giants would need to offer him back to the Athletics. Blake Sabol was the previous Rule 5 selection to stay on the roster since spring training in 2022.

The team confirmed plans to include three left-handed pitchers in the bullpen: Ryan Borki, Matt Gage, and Eric Miller.

Borucki signed a major league contract this week, having previously worked with pitching coach Justin Mecage at the Pirates, while Joey Lucchesi, who joined the camp late, has been released and signed with the Angels.

Even with two days off in the first week of the season, the Giants stuck with a 13-man pitching staff, choosing not to bring in Matos or another position player.

Ryan Walker and Miller will likely share closing duties in a bullpen that includes JT Brubaker and Keaton Wynn as long-relief options, joined in the middle by Jose Butt, Caleb Killian, and Gage.

Killian, previously a Giants prospect, had a remarkable spring with a 0.96 ERA over eight appearances after joining as a non-roster invitee.

Leiber San Martin will start the season on the 60-day disabled list due to a hip flexor injury sustained during the World Baseball Classic. Additionally, Sam Hentges (recovering from right knee and left shoulder surgeries) and Joel Peguero (left hamstring strain) will also begin the season on the 15-day IL.