SF Giants activate 2B Thairo Estrada from IL, option Diaz to AAA
Although they didn’t make any major acquisitions during Tuesday’s trading deadline, the SF Giants knew all along they’d be receiving internal relief to bolster their middle infield while also adding a much-needed lineup reinforcement. As expected, the organization announced on Saturday that second baseman Thairo Estrada has officially been activated off the injured list to face the Oakland Athletics in the first game of a two-game set. Infielder Isan Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento to make room on the roster.
Thairo Estrada is set to return to the lineup against Oakland on Saturday.
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Estrada has been out with a fractured hand after New York Mets right-hander Adam Ottavino drilled him with a pitch on July 2. He began a rehab assignment with Sacramento on Aug. 1 and went 1-for-11 at the plate across three games. Giants manager Gabe Kapler told reporters on Thursday that Estrada was expected to be “an option” for the club as they make the short trip across the Bay Bridge to face Oakland.
In Estrada’s absence, the Giants have struggled mightily to put together a competent replacement at second base. Since June 1, they’ve received an abysmal .334 OPS from the position with a 37.7 K% and 3 wRC+ –– MLB-worsts across the board. Estrada’s return will also likely improve the already-impressive defense, along with some speed on the basepaths.
Estrada, 27, was enjoying an All-Star caliber season by slashing .272/.327/.434 with nine homers, 18 doubles, 18 stolen bases, and a .761 OPS before hitting the injured list. He was also second in the National League behind Miami’s Luis Arraez with 2.5 fWAR. He was in the midst of a struggling offensive stretch and 81 wRC+ from June 3 to July 3.
Diaz, 27, will head back to Sacramento without a ton of success at the big league level. In 21 plate appearances for the Giants, he’s notched just one hit and two walks (.195 OPS).
