Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Lost amid the attention that Hunter Pence deserves is the Giants took on yet another reclamation project.
Among the series of moves the Giants made Sunday morning was a trade for infielder Daniel Robertson, whom the Rays had designated for assignment, in exchange for cash considerations or that elusive player to be named.
The Giants quickly replace Yolmer Sanchez, whom they released upon his request, with another flexible infielder with a questionable bat. Robertson had a terrific 2018 with Tampa, slashing .262/.382/.415 in 87 games, but struggled last year before being optioned and dealing with a knee injury.
The 26-year-old has not played this year with the Rays, who ran out of 40-man room.
Farhan Zaidi is familiar with Robertson, having been a part of the A’s front office that drafted him 34th overall in 2012. He was dealt to Tampa in 2015.
Robertson checks a big Zaidi box: He can play anywhere. Gabe Kapler, who talked to Robertson on Sunday morning, said he felt comfortable anywhere around the infield or outfield.
“He has the ability to play shortstop, which is important for us,” Kapler said.
As a righty, Robertson becomes a far-down option to platoon with Brandon Crawford. The Giants have Donovan Solano and Mauricio Dubon ahead in the pecking order, but the Giants like the talent.
“I know that he’s been working on his swing after struggling a little bit this season,” Kapler said. “So he’ll go to Sac and he’ll get his feet underneath him and we’ll evaluate from there, but he’s been a pretty good major leaguer so far.”