San Francisco infielder Casey Schmitt currently doesn’t have an established position, but rest assured manager Gabe Kapler will find a place for the promising rookie.
Schmitt provided a much-needed boost for the giantswho continue their series of four games against the Arizona Diamonds friday in phoenix
Schmitt had four hits, including his second homer in his first three major league games, in the giants‘ 6-2 victory against Diamondbacks THURSDAY. Schmitt is 8 for 12 to start his career, tying Willie McCovey for most hits by one giants player in his first three games
“He’s still producing,” Kapler said. “I know it only lasted a few games, but he had a pretty big impact. I feel like we’re lucky to have his production, and I’m sure he enjoys every minute.”
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Schmitt has started the past three games at shortstop in place of Brandon Crawford, who could return as soon as Friday after missing the past 11 games with a strained right calf.
Kapler plans to find ways to keep the versatile Schmitt in the lineup.
“Casey’s going to play some shortstop for us, play some second base, play some third base,” Kapler said. “He’ll move around for us. So far, he’s been a really good addition at shortstop, but he has a history of being one of the best third basemen in minor league baseball in the last couple of years.
“We don’t know if somebody’s going to need a few more days (off) than somebody else. We want to be cognizant of opening up all the possible doors for him.”
Arizona, which has lost three straight, will send right-hander Ryne Nelson (1-2, 6.00 ERA) to the mound on Friday. He allowed three runs (two earned) over five innings in a no-decision against the Washington Nationals on Sunday.
Nelson, 25, owns a 22-to-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio across his first seven starts this season. He will be making his first career appearance vs. San Francisco.
The Giants right-hander John Brebbia (1-0, 5.93 ERA) is expected to serve as an opener ahead of Ross Stripling (0-2, 6.66), another right-hander. Stripling allowed five runs on seven hits in five innings in a 7-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday
Arizona outfielder Corbin Carroll is expected to be in the lineup after earning a break on Thursday. The D-backs are playing it safe with Carroll, who injured his left knee on April 29 and has missed the next two games.
“We targeted a certain part of this comeback to have a day off,” D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. “He’s fine. He’s in a good position. We just want to be smart to make sure he plays his best baseball all season and doesn’t catch up.”
THE DiamondbacksThe bullpen struggles continued Thursday when Jose Ruiz allowed four runs (three earned) in the ninth inning, allowing San Francisco to extend their lead to 6-0. Lovullo said he was exploring options to help support his relievers
“I might have to step in in some situations and give some of the negative role players the chance to play a positive role,” Lovullo said. “I’ve been doing it a little bit recently and you know the names and it’s a great opportunity for them. But it’s really about stepping up and getting the job done no matter when you get the baseball.”
–Field-Level Media