Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Gabe Kapler wants to move on.
After early managerial mistakes created a reputation in Philadelphia that reportedly helped lead to his ouster, it makes sense that he would want to outrun Thursday’s 10th inning.
After Kapler tried a pitching change following pitching coach Andrew Bailey visiting the mound — Tyler Rogers had to double-back from the dugout to the rubber and Rico Garcia had to run back to the bullpen — the Giants manager hoped Friday’s game would put the incident behind him.
Kapler did not talk to the team as a whole after the loss, Brandon Belt saying they were all tired, and Kapler signaled he didn’t see a reason to do so Friday.
“We’ve kind of moved past last night,” Kapler said over Zoom from Oracle Park before the Giants and Rangers began a series. “We’re already thinking about getting ready for the Rangers tonight.”
In the aftermath, Kapler called it a “mental screwup,” saying he knew the rule but had “a lapse in memory” amid the many things on his mind in the dugout.
It’s a bench coach’s job, too, to ensure these rule intricacies are known and followed. Kapler was not asked directly about Kai Correa, but was asked if there would be any changes in the dugout process as he absorbs information. He did not quite answer.
“We’re going to continue to work diligently to make great decisions in the dugout,” said Kapler, who tried to call for a reliever who was not warmed up to start his Philly tenure, which has followed him. “Kind of turn the page from last night, on to the Rangers tonight.”
The Giants placed righty reliever Sam Coonrod on the 10-day injured list with a right lat strain and promoted lefty Sam Selman from Sacramento. Kapler pointed out the Rangers have a lefty-heavy lineup.
Brandon Belt was absent from the lineup a day after making his season debut. Kapler said there was “a little bit of stiffness in his heel,” but expected Belt could pinch-hit if needed.
Kapler declined to announce his starters for the rest of the Rangers series.
