Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants added some outfield defense and perhaps some late-game pinch-running just before Tuesday’s game time.
About an hour before first pitch against the Mariners at Oracle Park, San Francisco announced it had called up Luis Basabe and optioned Daniel Robertson back to Sacramento.
Basabe can play center or either corner, the 24-year-old, toolsy outfield prospect acquired earlier this season from the White Sox. Robertson has played left field in his career, but not since 2018 and has been used just on the left side of the infield with the Giants since coming over from Tampa.
The Giants still do not trust Austin Slater’s arm in the outfield after suffering a flexor stain in his elbow, the Giants hesitant about letting him unleash throws. Alex Dickerson fouled a ball off right right knee Monday and wound up with a contusion, but he was set to play through it Tuesday. It’s possible the Giants will give him a break in the late innings.
Basabe is regarded for a powerful bat, strong arm and fast legs, but he hadn’t put it all together with Chicago, who DFA’d him. The switch-hitter could make his second major league appearance, having been called up and pinch-running Aug. 27, then optioned right back down. He was chosen over Jaylin Davis, who last played July 28 before being sent to the alternate camp.