Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
SCOTTSDALE — Jason Vosler is the first legitimate surprise cut of Giants camp.
The infielder, who had made a solid bid at an Opening Day roster spot, was optioned to (theoretical) minor league camp on Wednesday, dashing his hopes of making his long-awaited major league debut on April 1.
Vosler was one of six optioned/reassigned, including Silvino Bracho, a non-roster righty who also has impressed in camp. Lefty Sam Selman, who had a breakout 2020, the injured Rico Garcia, recently signed lefty Phil Pfeifer and outfielder Joe McCarthy also were taken out of the running for the opener in Seattle.
The Giants are down to 36 in camp, which includes 22 pitchers (eight of whom are non-roster invites). They’ll have 26, plus a taxi squad, once the season begins.
Vosler has cooled since his hot start in the Cactus League, but the lefty hitter still is slashing .311/.333/.444 in 48 spring plate appearances. His bat has caught everyone’s attention, though it’s his glove’s fit that had made him seem to be an option.
The 27-year-old is best on the corners, and Evan Longoria (plantar fasciitis) has yet to play the field, and Brandon Belt (heel surgery recovery, mono) has yet to appear in a game. Yet, Longoria believes he will be ready to start the season, and Belt is expected to begin his spring with a pinch-hit Wednesday at Scottsdale Stadium against the Padres.
In the game, Tommy La Stella is starting at first. As a flexible, lefty-hitting infielder, La Stella makes Vosler a bit redundant. The Giants could choose another reliever over Vosler, which would give the team a chance at holding onto an extra pitcher who may be lost otherwise.
Or perhaps this is a signal that LaMonte Wade Jr. could find his way onto the roster. Wade, also a lefty, is probably the better defender at first and can move around the outfield, representing a potential complement to Mauricio Dubon in center. Wade, though, has struggled with his bat, hitting .212 in the exhibition season.
Of course, these stats don’t matter. While Wade recently said he’s been tweaking his swing and feels it’s “coming,” Gabe Kapler praised his approach and said he’s looked solid at the plate.
Bracho, who has struck out 12 in 7 1/3 spring innings, getting sent down helps the chances of righties such as the rostered Reyes Moronta and Tyler Rogers and non-rostered Dominic Leone and Jimmie Sherfy.