SAN FRANCISCO — Since changing his swing à la Justin Turner prior to the 2018 season, Mac Williamson has been impressive in the field and, more importantly, at the plate, launching multiple home runs and helping jumpstart the Giants’ offense.
Mainstay Hunter Pence, meanwhile, struggled mightily as the Giants’ starting left fielder, posting just a .172 batting average and .386 OPS in 17 games.
Pence was eventually placed on the DL with a right thumb strain. Williamson, meanwhile, excelled as the Giants’ starting left fielder, posting a batting average near .300 and launching three home runs in just five games. Williamson had essentially seized the starting left field job before suffering a concussion after chasing a foul ball and tripping and hitting his head against the side wall at AT&T Park.
Now, with Williamson healthy and having once again distinguished himself in left field, Giants manager Bruce Bochy has finally made a decision regarding Pence’s status with the team.
“Hunter will be used as a fourth outfielder-type. You know, I’ll try to get him in there as much as I can, playing time. Late in the game, you know, just like you would a normal fourth outfielder. Right now, Mac is going to get the lion’s share of playing left field.”
When Pence returns, which should be Saturday, he will be the team’s fourth outfielder and Williamson will become the Giants’ everyday left-fielder, according to Bochy.
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