Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
The controversy that was the Giants demoting LaMonte Wade Jr. did not last long.
Neither the club nor player wanted him to be summoned again like this, but Wade was back at Oracle Park and on the roster Friday, when the Giants moved Brandon Belt to the 10-day injured list.
“Hope [Belt is] doing good, hope he can come back because we really need him,” Wade said of the first baseman, whose knee has been diagnosed with inflammation but surgery is an early possibility. “That being said, trying to step up and help out as best you can while he’s gone.”
Darin Ruf was getting the start at first against Oakland lefty Sean Manaea in the series opener, but Wade is a good bet to start against righty Frankie Montas on Saturday. It is a strong platoon, yet Belt would be a significant loss if his right knee needs to be surgically repaired.
The Giants had sent Wade down Monday after the lefty first baseman/outfielder had emerged as their leadoff hitter against righties, posting an .814 OPS with four home runs in 94 plate appearances, one of the strongest next-men-up the club has seen. But Wade has an option remaining, so they could keep him in the organization with Triple-A Sacramento rather than lose, say, Mike Tauchman as Ruf and Alex Dickerson were activated.
Wade took Monday off, joined the River Cats on Tuesday and worked out Wednesday, then got some time at first base in Thursday’s game with Sacramento.
And after Belt’s injury, he is right back and able to play a position he had not played much since college before this year. He said he enjoys first, especially the social aspect — he got to meet Albert Pujols in the series against the Dodgers — and now will see an Oracle Park without restrictions for the first time. The Bay Bridge Series is the first the Giants are allowing as many fans as the park can fit.
“It’s exciting,” said Wade, who was an offseason addition from the Twins. “It’s always good to have the fans back, and to have full capacity will definitely be great. I’ve never seen this place filled up.”
Buster Posey was scratched from the lineup with low back tightness, the Giants announced. Curt Casali was catching and batting seventh.
Tommy La Stella was scratched from a rehab game with Sacramento on Thursday with a jammed thumb, Gabe Kapler said. X-rays were negative, and they do not view it as a long-term concern.
Aaron Sanchez was set to make a rehab start with Sacramento on Friday, his first since a blister scare last week.