Billy Hamilton has officially passed his physical and is here at #SFGiants camp.
Also, he looks very fast. pic.twitter.com/bWCYzEjdPk
— KNBR (@KNBR) July 17, 2020
Billy Hamilton is climbing his way back — nearly literally.
The outfielder who has been away from Giants camp was seen sprinting up the empty stands at Oracle Park on Thursday, shortly after he and pitcher Luis Madero passed their physicals and have the green light to begin camp, Gabe Kapler said.
Madero, a 23-year-old righty, tested positive for COVID-19 upon reaching San Francisco after spending his break in Miami. He has been in quarantine since.
The Giants placed Hamilton on the injured list with what they termed “medical reasons.” A player who tests positive has to consent to that information being released.
“We’re going to build them up slowly,” Kapler said of the duo.
While Hamilton does not need reps in the batters’ box to make a difference in a game, he will not be an option for the Giants on Opening Day, Kapler said.
“Building up legs is just as important as building up arm strength and just as important as building up number of swings,” Kapler said when asked about the possibility for Hamilton, a 29-year-old who may be MLB’s fastest player. “Anything that you do explosive on a baseball field, if you don’t have the right build-up and ramp-up, you can put your body at risk. So we’ll be as patient as we need to be with Billy.”
When Hamilton is ready, he will need to be added to the 40-man roster, which will be in flux.
Kapler also said Jarlin Garcia is a “full go,” having returned earlier this week after being absent for the start of camp.
Joey Bart threw a baserunner out at second for a second straight day — this time Will Wilson was the victim on a high-and-outside pitch that Bart had to reach for. Farhan Zaidi and Scott Harris were watching from the stands as Bart later singled and stole a base, going 1-for-3.
Joey Bart just threw an absolute dart to second base ? pic.twitter.com/jHprFTKjKw
— KNBR (@KNBR) July 16, 2020
First-round pick Patrick Bailey threw wildly of first on a pick-off try Wednesday for an error, and a day later couldn’t track down a pop-up, then threw wildly, into right-center, as Bart stole second.
Wilmer Flores continues to impress, just clearing the left-field wall for a home run off Kevin Gausman.
Hunter Pence also went yard, a no-doubter off righty Sam Wolff that rocketed toward the left-field seats.
Yolmer Sanchez had a scare, getting drilled in the knee by a Tyler Anderson fastball, and hobbled off the field. He was back soon later, though, and took two more at-bats.
Pablo Sandoval made clean contact for a pair of singles in three at-bats. If Evan Longoria is out for a while, Sandoval’s role would grow.