Casey Schmitt Hits Fifth Homer In Giants' 3-2 Win
casey schmitt homered Monday and the Giants beat the Padres 3-2, with the 27-year-old again driving the offense in a lineup that has produced the fewest runs in the majors. He has now driven in the Giants’ past three trips around the bases dating back to last Saturday.
Schmitt Keeps Carrying San Francisco
Schmitt’s fifth home run of the season came in the middle of a stretch where San Francisco has leaned on him more than anyone else at the plate. He has led the club in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging and OPS+, a run of production that stands out even as the Giants continue to search for more consistent offense.
The numbers behind that stretch are blunt. Schmitt entered the night with five home runs, 16 RBIs, a.359 on-base percentage, a.542 slugging percentage and a 155 OPS+. Those are the clearest reasons he has stayed in the center of the lineup discussion while the Giants continue to trail the league in runs scored.
Vitello Eyes Corner Outfield
Tony Vitello said Schmitt could add corner outfield to his portfolio to keep his bat in the lineup. “It’s a definite possibility,” Vitello said before Schmitt homered again in Monday’s 3-2 win over the Padres.
Schmitt said he has not played outfield since he was a sophomore at Eastlake High School outside San Diego, and he does not own an outfield glove. Still, he left the door open. “I’ll see if I can find one. Someone will have an extra one, for sure — it’s the big leagues,” he said. “I’m open to anything.”
Chapman, Eldridge And Openings
The Giants gave Matt Chapman the night off Monday, with Schmitt at third base, while top prospect Bryce Eldridge was promoted the same day after batting.333 with a.963 OPS at Triple-A. The club also plans to build in more rest days for its struggling veterans, which keeps the infield and corner spots in play for Schmitt as roster pressure rises.
That is the twist in his season. He was once poised to be the Giants’ third baseman of the future before Chapman was signed and extended, and he could have been the starting second baseman this year before Luis Arraez arrived in free agency. Schmitt has already shown he can handle all four infield positions, and Vitello may soon ask for more than that if the bat keeps playing.
