SAN FRANCISCO — Bruce Bochy can’t figure out why, but the No. 3 spot in his lineup might be the least coveted of any in the batting order. Typically it’s where teams stash their best, if not most well-rounded hitter, but the Giants have had some of the worst production in baseball from their No. 3 hitters.
So with eight losses in nine games, Bochy’s onto his third No. 3 hitter in the last three games. He turns to Mac Williamson, perhaps the only Giant with positive memories from the team’s 1-7 road trip that he went 8-for-18 on.
“It’s really been cool to watch how Mac has made so much progress,” Bochy said. “We played in two ballparks that can be a little intimidating in Boston and New York, but the way he handled himself was impressive.”
The young outfielder impressed especially in New York, clubbing a double off Andrew Miller and collecting both RBIs in the Giants only win on Saturday. There’s not much for Bochy to lose with Williamson hitting third, especially against Reds left-hander Cody Reed, who’s yielded a .327 average to right-handed hitters this season. It’s as good a night as any for the Giants to get a jumpstart from the three hole.
After ranking near the top of the league last year, the Giants have the lowest batting average and fewest home runs in the NL from the No. 3 spot. Earlier Matt Duffy was unseated by Brandon Belt in the No. 3 hole earlier this season when he began slumping, and now Belt is the one unseated after just getting out of his 2-for-33 slump as a No. 6 hitter on Monday.
“For some reason the three-hole’s been the black hole for us,” Bochy said. “I don’t know.”
The manager’s too superstitious to move Belt back to third after one good game. He’ll remain down in the lineup, much to the benefit of Williamson, who went 3-for-4 in his only full game as a No. 3 hitter on June 23.
“I think Mac’s earned more and more playing time,” Bochy said. “He’s a threat up there. He plays hard. It’s been fun to watch his progress up here and grow as a player.”
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Duffy (left Achilles strain) returned with another positive report after running curves. He’ll run the bases shortly, and if all goes well, he’ll begin his rehab assignment this weekend.
Cory Gearrin (right shoulder strain) threw a bullpen Tuesday and should start his rehab assignment soon.
Infielder Ehire Adrianza (fractured left foot) has been tearing it up on his minor league assignment. He’s got six home runs across 10 games in Single-A San Jose and Triple-A Sacramento. Per MLB rules, Bochy said the Giants have to activate Adrianza within a week. He’d still like him to get a few more at-bats in Sacramento before making the move.
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The Giants’ NL West lead has been shaved down to 2.5, the lowest it’s been since May 18. They’re surely hearing footsteps, but are they turning around to see who it is?
Said Bochy: “I hope nobody is. I don’t think anybody is.”
