The San Francisco Giants have officially placed outfielder Jerar Encarnación on the 10-day injured list due to a right hamstring strain, effective retroactively from August 7th. In a move to fill his roster spot, the team has selected outfielder Drew Gilbert, who recently joined the Giants after being acquired from the Mets in the trade that sent Tyler Rogers to New York. To make room for Gilbert on the 40-man roster, the Giants designated outfielder Daniel Johnson for assignment.
Gilbert, a 24-year-old player, has a brief history with the Giants, having been part of a two-week stint since his acquisition. Originally drafted by the Houston Astros, he moved to the Mets in a deal involving Justin Verlander, before finding himself with the Giants. Once considered a top 100 prospect, his stock has since declined, with Baseball America listing him as the #77 prospect entering the 2023 season.
Throughout his minor league career, Gilbert has shown consistent performance, boasting a .262/.369/.466 batting line this year, along with strong statistics including 14 home runs and six stolen bases over 408 plate appearances. His 12.3% walk rate and 16.2% strikeout rate are indicative of his ability to contribute effectively across the board, making him a versatile player who can handle all three outfield positions.
Given the recent trades and current injuries, the Giants are looking to evaluate Gilbert’s potential as they navigate the remainder of the season. With two of their outfield spots already secured by Jung Hoo Lee and Heliot Ramos for next year, they have an opportunity to assess Gilbert’s capabilities to see if he can carve out a role in their future lineup. Other young prospects such as Grant McCray, Luis Matos, Marco Luciano, and Wade Meckler are also in consideration for the outfield positions, especially as the team prepares for the off-season.
On the other hand, Daniel Johnson, who was signed to a minor league deal earlier this season, has struggled in the majors, posting a disappointing .172/.226/.345 slash line. He will now be placed on waivers, as he transitions out of the Giants organization.
This strategy reflects the Giants’ broader vision of rebuilding and looking towards the future, particularly as they shift their focus after sliding in the standings. It’s an exciting time for young talents to showcase their skills as the team navigates changes in its roster.