The outfield depth takes a hit, but the offense takes a leap.
We knew on Sunday what the details of the San Francisco Giants trade for slugger Rafael Devers would be. The Giants would be adding Devers and his contract, while sending pitchers Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks, as well as prospects James Tibbs III and Jose Bello to the Boston Red Sox.
Since the Giants were getting rid of two Major League players, they didn’t need to make any move to facilitate the addition of Devers on the 40-man roster. But there was the question as to who would be booted from the 26-player active roster before Tuesday’s series opener against the Cleveland Guardians.
Now we know. After wrapping up Devers’ opening press conference, the Giants announced that outfielder Daniel Johnson had been optioned to AAA Sacramento.
Johnson, who was signed to a Minor League deal in May, impressed in a short stint with San Francisco, hitting 4-19 with a home run, a double, and two walks, while playing strong defense in the outfield and being a good baserunner. It wouldn’t be at all surprising to see him back with the Giants before long, though the other outfielders in Sacramento — namely Luis Matos, Grant McCray, Marco Luciano, and Wade Meckler — will jockey to be next in line.
The Giants choosing to option Johnson means that Casey Schmitt — who left Sunday’s game with a foot injury — is healthy enough to keep playing and, indeed, he’s starting Tuesday’s game at third base. It also means that Mike Yastrzemski is likely the backup center fielder now that Johnson and Matos are both in AAA.
Here’s a look at the full active roster now that Devers is in the fold:
Catchers: Andrew Knizner and Logan Porter
Outfielders: Jung Hoo Lee, Heliot Ramos, and Mike Yastrzemski
Infielders: Willy Adames, Tyler Fitzgerald, Christian Koss, and Casey Schmitt
First basemen/designated hitters: Rafael Devers, Wilmer Flores, and Dominic Smith
First baseman/designated hitter/fourth outfielder: Jerar Encarnación
Starting pitchers: Hayden Birdsong, Robbie Ray, Landen Roupp, and Logan Webb
Bullpen: Tristan Beck, Spencer Bivens, Camilo Doval, Sean Hjelle, Joey Lucchesi, Erik Miller, Randy Rodríguez, Tyler Rogers, and Ryan Walker
The Giants will need to make another move on Wednesday, as Justin Verlander is scheduled to come off the 15-Day IL and make a start.