Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest roster surprise was a pitcher not on it.
Nick Tropeano was assigned to minor league camp Tuesday, ending his hopes of being added to the roster in time for the Giants’ Thursday opener.
The 30-year-old was impressive throughout camp and brings a flexibility the Giants value — he could be stretched out to start, could throw one inning out of the bullpen, but likely will be used plenty for outings in between those lengths — but adding Tropeano to the roster would have meant they had to find roster space.
The Giants want to postpone the decision of a DFA or a trade to open up a spot until they need the righty. In part because they have three off days within the first 15 days of San Francisco’s campaign, a length arm is not urgent at the start of the season.
“He can provide some length for us when we need it,” Gabe Kapler said Wednesday, on the eve of Opening Day.
Kapler said Tropeano has “weapons to get major league hitters out,” showing off a good arrangement of pitches, including a quality splitter, in 10 spring innings. The manager called it a difficult decision and said delivering the news to the veteran was not easy, but his time will come.
“I feel pretty confident he’s going to make an impact for us this year,” said Kapler, who said Tropeano is in Seattle with the team and will be on the taxi squad.
Also excluded from the roster were non-roster righty invites Dominic Leone and Zack Littell, both of whom had strong camps. Both will be at the alternate site and could get early call-ups.
Kapler said Mike Yastrzemski and Tommy La Stella should be able to play Thursday. Both had scares this week in getting plunked, Yastrzemski on the hand and La Stella on the knee.
Evan Longoria and Brandon Belt should be ready, too, although the Giants will have a designated hitter at the AL ballpark.
It is expected that Alex Wood, after the back ablation procedure he underwent, will open the season on the injured list. That has not been finalized, and the Giants’ Opening Day roster is due Thursday morning.
“It’s going to be a bit before he’s on our major league roster,” Kapler said over Zoom. “…But he’s doing very well. Every step of the way is going very smoothly.”
The Giants are expected to open with Aaron Sanchez as their fifth starter.