San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants have designated infielder Pablo Sandoval for assignment.

The 34-year-old began his career with the Giants in 2008 and played two-and-a-half seasons in Boston before returning to the West Coast in 2017. 

ROSTER MOVES:

• IF Pablo Sandoval placed on unconditional release waivers#SFGiants

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) September 10, 2020

On Monday, Sandoval made his first start at third base in more than a year when Evan Longoria was benched with soreness. After season-ending Tommy John surgery, Sandoval returned to the field in 2020, logging just 18 hits in 82 at-bats to slash .220/.278/.268. It's a downward trend from his level of play when he returned to the Giants: In 548 plate appearances through 200 games in 2018 and 2019, he belted 23 home runs and 33 doubles and batted .259/.311/.466.

There was pressure on Kapler to act after the Giants signed 2017 All-Star Justin Smoak to a minor league deal Wednesday. The Milwaukee Brewers released Smoak, 33, after a dismal start to the season. He will report to San Francisco's alternate training site. 

Manager Gabe Kapler praised Sandoval during the postgame in August, when he put the infielder in to rest Longoria during a blowout:

"Pablo has gone through some stuff this year, and I think everybody has. There are a lot of people that have dealt with family issues and things away from the field and things we don't have that much control and power over, and Pablo is no exception. He struggled through those things and has shown a lot of fight. It hasn't been easy to date for him, and he continues to come to the ballpark every day and put on a smile and show a lot of grit. That's what I've seen from Pablo recently."

Despite this vote of confidence, it appears to be an end of an era for Sandoval in the Bay Area. If it is, the two-time All-Star had a good run during his first stint with the club, playing a key role on three championship teams and winning the 2012 World Series MVP.

Oracle Park in San Francisco looked like it was hosting a night game Wednesday morning.

California is one of a handful of states in the Western United States attempting to curtail the spread of wildfires. Smoke from the fires has created surreal scenes, and the sky in San Francisco turned orange.

KNBR shared a photo from outside the San Francisco Giants' stadium:

Oracle Park at 10:29 AM pic.twitter.com/B264VSJZb3

— KNBR (@KNBR) September 9, 2020

While it didn't completely block out the sun, the haze made for some shocking visuals:

Footage captures San Francisco shrouded in darkness, as wildfires rage across the state. https://t.co/ftaESuXDjb pic.twitter.com/Vkh6wyHteD

— ABC News (@ABC) September 9, 2020

Eli Harik wears a mask while gazing at the Bay Bridge and heavy orange skies due to nearby wildfires hanging over San Francisco on Wednesday, September 9 @sfchronicle pic.twitter.com/B2wahjkeRw

— Jessica Christian (@jachristian) September 9, 2020

https://twitter.com/David_Ingram/status/1303710987585859585

The Giants are scheduled to host the Seattle Mariners at 9:45 p.m. ET Wednesday.

The San Francisco Giants are just 18-19 this season and have struggled to find consistency in the National League West, but they looked like the 1927 New York Yankees on Tuesday.

San Francisco exploded for a head-turning 23 runs in a 23-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies on the road.

Apparently the ball does really fly at Coors Field.

The Rockies didn't exactly mince words after the loss either:

We typically have positive and encouraging words when tweeting the final score after losses. Or some kind of clever approach.

Not tonight.

We lost 23-5. It sucked. Good night.

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) September 2, 2020

It is fair to assume everyone in the lineup put up good numbers on a day when the offense scored 23 runs, but left fielder Alex Dickerson led the way. He drilled a home run to start the scoring in the first inning, added another in the second inning and then hit a third long ball in the sixth inning.

Alex Dickerson hat trick 💪

#SFGiants pic.twitter.com/wDKwck4jjz

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) September 2, 2020

The @SFGiants went OFF. 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/qbA9DFwWsb

— MLB (@MLB) September 2, 2020

Ok so... *takes deep breath*
- The @SFGiants have scored 23 runs tonight
- They have 26 hits
- They've allowed only 2 hits
- They've scored in every inning so far
- 5 players have at least 3 hits
- Alex Dickerson is 4 for 5 with 3 HR and 6 RBI
- And the game still isn't over

😅 pic.twitter.com/KoOQCgNNfu

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 2, 2020

Shortstop Brandon Crawford also went deep with a three-run shot in the sixth.

In all, Dickerson finished 5-for-6 with the three home runs, six RBI, five runs and a walk. Crawford also stood out at 3-for-6 with six RBI and three runs, while second baseman Donovan Solano went 4-for-6 with six RBI and two runs.

ESPN Stats & Info noted the trio made history:

The Giants are the first team since RBI became official in 1920 to have 3 players with 6 RBI in a single game. pic.twitter.com/CbiQQNyep1

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 2, 2020

The Giants have now won three in a row as they attempt to build some momentum for a potential late-season run.

They are nine games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West but still within striking distance at four games back of the second-place San Diego Padres. They are also just one game behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the last wild-card spot.

If the Giants continue to hit like they did Tuesday, they will quickly climb up those standings in the season's final month.

A misplay by Hunter Pence ruined what had been a dominant performance from San Francisco Giants pitcher Johnny Cueto on Saturday night. 

Cueto had no-hit the Los Angeles Dodgers for five innings, but the Dodgers ended the bid in the sixth when Pence lost a fly ball in the lights:

Tough way to lose a no-hitter pic.twitter.com/saPkkCoOBD

— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) August 9, 2020

"Johnny had the magic and everything working," Pence told reporters after the game. "To spoil that feels absolutely awful. He deserves better."

Even when you miss the mark there is beauty in your teammates backing you up and supporting you pic.twitter.com/TQwSDe7dhy

— Hunter Pence (@hunterpence) August 9, 2020

Cueto unraveled after the miscue, allowing the runner to score before giving up a three-run home run to Justin Turner later in the inning. He was replaced before finishing the sixth, although he did enough to earn the win against opposing starter Clayton Kershaw.

The 34-year-old still thought he could've done more if not for Pence's mistake.

"I think the most frustrating thing was the ball that was lost," Cueto said after the game. "If that is caught, the game changes and maybe I pitch out of the inning. I didn't throw a lot of pitches. It's hard to tell how far I could have gone."

The San Francisco Giants made it into the win column Saturday in their third attempt of the 2020 season.

After losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers by a combined 17-2 in the first two games of the year, San Francisco broke out for a 5-4 victory, scoring runs in each of the first four innings at Dodger Stadium.

Wilmer Flores hit his first home run as a member of the Giants, who got a strong showing from some of their up-and-comers with right fielder Jaylin Davis and reliever Caleb Baragar helping shut down one of the National League's best contenders.

Lefty Alex Wood was tagged with the loss.

🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
#BeatLA | #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/GFul5IlJkP

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) July 25, 2020

     

Notable Performers

Cody Bellinger, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers: 5 AB, 2 R, 1 H

Corey Seager, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers: 4 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 2 RBI

Wilmer Flores, 2B, San Francisco Giants: 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 1 RBI, 1 HR

Logan Webb, RHP, San Francisco Giants: 4 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO

We have a home run joke, but it's a little out of left field.
#SFGiants pic.twitter.com/mNUAgZ3fKv

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) July 25, 2020

     

Dodgers' Comeback Falls Short

Giving up three runs and getting pulled after three innings wasn't the return to Los Angeles that Wood likely envisioned when he signed a one-year deal in January. His teammates nearly made up for it anyway.

Trailing 5-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning, a Corey Seager line drive with two outs pushed Cody Bellinger and Justin Turner across the plate following an error by Giants third baseman Donovan Solano. Had Solano fielded the play cleanly, the inning ends with no damage.

Instead, Chris Taylor kept the line moving with a single, Joc Pederson was hit by a pitch and Kike Hernandez stepped to up with the bases loaded.

Hernandez knocked a Tyler Rogers fastball straight to Flores at second, who nearly committed an error himself by overthrowing Darin Ruf at first base. Ruf was able to gather the ball and apply the tag with no harm, but the Dodgers were hardly done battling back.

Will Smith led off the bottom of the ninth with a pinch-hit home run off Trevor Gott to make it a one-run game and the top of the L.A. order due up.

This Will Smith home run ball nearly took the head off of a fan cutout in the outfield seats 😅 pic.twitter.com/CHpELn8ptW

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 25, 2020

For what seemed like the first time all series, the Giants were able to keep Max Muncy, Mookie Betts and Bellinger in check, getting three quick outs to end the game following Smith's home run.

Betts is now 3-for-16 to begin his Dodgers career.

Wow. Hunter Pence popped right back up and stayed in the game after this scary pitch. pic.twitter.com/z1e1hH0Dd5

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 25, 2020

     

Giants Youth Steps Up

San Francisco's rebuild showed some positive signs Saturday with four of the team's young players highlighting the victory.

The most notable was Baragar, who entered the game with one on and no outs in the fifth inning and proceeded to get Muncy to fly out to center before producing a double play off the bat of Betts. Against the heart of the Dodgers order in the sixth inning, Baragar retired Bellinger on six pitches, Turner on four and Seager on one.

The @SFGiants decided that Corey would 𝑛𝑜𝑡 be getting a hit today. pic.twitter.com/UKeCLDww9F

— Cut4 (@Cut4) July 25, 2020

Welcome, Caleb!

(It's pronounced BEAR-uh-grr. 🐻)
#SFGiants pic.twitter.com/JBbulNgxLi

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) July 25, 2020

The rookie left the mound without facing any trouble and picked up the win for the Giants in the process.

Elsewhere in the lineup, Mike Yastrzemski (2-for-4) and Davis (1-for-4) continued to pick up hits while fellow rookie Mauricio Dubon showed off his glove both at shortstop and centerfield.

Mauricio Dubón had not played in the outfield as a pro before 2020 with the @SFGiants.

Keep that in mind as you watch this highlight. pic.twitter.com/FRd5onEJm9

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 26, 2020

The Giants may not pick up a lot of wins this season, but the continued development of their next wave of players should remain a fairly consistent bright spot.

     

What's Next?

The four-game series concludes at Dodger Stadium at 10:08 p.m. ET Sunday on ESPN. Julio Urias makes his season debut for Los Angeles. The Giants have yet to name a starter.

San Francisco Giants reliever Sam Coonrod didn't kneel before Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, telling reporters he "can't kneel before anything besides God."

The right-hander also spoke about his differences with the Black Lives Matter movement.

"I'm a Christian, like I said, and I just can't get on board with a couple of things that I have read about Black Lives Matter," Coonrod said, per NBC Sports Bay Area's Alex Pavlovic. "How they lean toward Marxism and they've said some negative things about the nuclear family. I just can't get on board with that."

The view of Black Lives Matter as a Marxist organization stems from Patrisse Cullors, one of the organization's founders, describing herself and fellow founder Alicia Garza as "trained Marxists" in 2015. Marxism is broadly a theory that capitalism is exploitative of working-class people that was the basis for communism.

However, Marxism critic Professor Russell Berman told independent fact-checking website PolitiFact that Black Lives Matter's aims "do not appear to be expressly anti-capitalist, which would arguably be a Marxist identifier."

Coonrod said he "meant no ill" by standing during the anthem as many of his teammates and coaches took a knee, and added he had not had a chance to discuss the matter with Black teammates before the game after only hearing about the plan to kneel shortly before the game. 

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began protesting during the anthem in 2016. He told NFL Network's Steve Wyche at the time he was "not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color."

A number of athletes followed in Kaepernick's footsteps, and the tactic has become more popular in the wake of the ongoing protests against police brutality, systemic racism and social inequality. Prior to Thursday's Opening Day matchup between the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals, every player knelt along the baselines.

Every player on the #Yankees and #Nationals takes a knee prior to the National Anthem. pic.twitter.com/kbYeanpusp

— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) July 23, 2020

ESPN's Howard Bryant reported the Yankees and Nationals players would hold a large piece of black fabric to represent George Floyd and other Black victims of police brutality. Bryant followed up to say all 30 teams would take part in the display following a mandate from MLB.

Today, and every day, we come together as brothers. As equals, all with the same goal - to level the playing field. To change the injustices. Equality is not just a word. It’s our right!

Today we stand as men from 25 nations on 6 continents.

Today, we are one. pic.twitter.com/vKUGdRfwgQ

— MLB (@MLB) July 23, 2020

According to the New York Times' James Wagner, Philadelphia Phillies star Andrew McCutchen and a group of players came up with the idea before approaching MLB officials about adopting it as a pregame tribute.

The president may not understand that kneeling during the national anthem as a means of protesting police brutality and systemic racism is not disrespecting the flag, country or military, but San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler does.

After kneeling alongside first base coach Antoan Richardson and outfielders Jaylin Davis, Mike Yastrzemski and Austin Slater, among others, prior to Monday's exhibition against the Oakland Athletics, Kapler addressed the notion that it was disrespectful and may turn some, like Donald Trump, away from watching games, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today:

"My response is I don't see it as disrespect at all. I see nothing more American than standing up for what you believe in. I see nothing more patriotic than peaceful protests when things are frustrating and upsetting.

"And finally, there's nobody that should make us stop doing the right thing. It doesn't matter what leader says that they're not going to be following a game. What matters the most is that we're unwavering in trying to do what's right.

"What guides our decision is standing up for people who need us to stand up for them."

His comments come after Trump tweeted that he will not watch a sporting event if someone kneels during the anthem:

Looking forward to live sports, but any time I witness a player kneeling during the National Anthem, a sign of great disrespect for our Country and our Flag, the game is over for me!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 21, 2020

Despite the president's sentiment, Major League Baseball explained that such an action is not about the military or flag:

It has never been about the military or the flag. The players and coaches are using their platforms to peacefully protest.

— MLB (@MLB) July 21, 2020

Giants players kneeling during the anthem pic.twitter.com/xT2YkbQ8GS

— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) July 21, 2020

As for Kapler, he said he held a meeting with his players and "wanted them to know that I wasn't pleased with the way our country has handled police brutality," per Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic.

"I told them I wanted to amplify the voices of the Black community and marginalized communities as well," he continued. "I told them that I wanted to use my platform to demonstrate my dissatisfaction with ... clear systemic racism in our country."

The president of the country may not support Kapler's ideals, but Giants President Farhan Zaidi did in a statement:

Giants president Farhan Zaidi's statement to @TheAthletic in support of manager Gabe Kapler, the coaching staff and players: pic.twitter.com/ZybM7jiiDe

— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) July 21, 2020

Nightengale noted Kapler became the first MLB manager to protest police brutality and systemic racism by kneeling. However, he may not be the last. It has quickly become clear some in baseball are going to use their platform in such a way as the fight for social justice and against racism has taken on more urgency with worldwide protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd.

Members of the Cincinnati Reds, including star first baseman Joey Votto, also knelt prior to Tuesday's exhibition against the Detroit Tigers.

Alyssa Nakken became the first woman to be an on-field coach during a Major League Baseball game Monday night.

Per ESPN, Nakken served as the San Francisco Giants' first base coach for the final three innings of their exhibition game against the Oakland Athletics.

Alyssa Nakken coaching first for the Giants 🙌 pic.twitter.com/yl8qtT6ct4

— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) July 21, 2020

Nakken made history in February when manager Gabe Kapler hired her as the first female coach for the Giants and first full-time female coach in MLB history.

"Never once did Gabe talk about being the first or even being female," Nakken told NBC Sports Bay Area's Amy Gutierrez when she was hired. "We needed an All-Star on this staff to just help kind of guide the ship because all of these coaches are new except for Ron Wotus, and I've been in the organization for five years."

Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 as a baseball operations intern. She played collegiate softball at Sacramento State from 2009 to 2012 and was named the Big Sky Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2012.

The actual game took a backseat when manager Gabe Kapler was among a number of San Francisco Giants who knelt during the national anthem prior to Monday's exhibition against the Oakland Athletics.

Kapler knelt along with first base coach Antoan Richardson and outfielders Jaylin Davis, Mike Yastrzemski and Austin Slater. What's more, shortstop Brandon Crawford stood but placed his hands on the shoulders of Davis and Richardson.

Giants players kneeling during the anthem pic.twitter.com/xT2YkbQ8GS

— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) July 21, 2020

Mike Yastrzemski and Austin Slater are the two additional players kneeling here, along with manager Gabe Kapler. There was also at least one more coach/staffer kneeling. https://t.co/jXkl2qtLTu

— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) July 21, 2020

Several Giants knelt for the national anthem, led by Gabe Kapler. Jaylin Davis, Austin Slater too. pic.twitter.com/dPtfOTzSiR

— Mark W. Sanchez (@MarkWSanchez) July 21, 2020

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Kapler became the first Major League Baseball manager to kneel during the national anthem as a means of protesting police brutality and systemic racism.

Kapler said he had a meeting with players, noting, per Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic, "I wanted them to know that I wasn't pleased with the way our country has handled police brutality. I told them I wanted to amplify the voices of the Black community and marginalized communities as well. I told them that I wanted to use my platform to demonstrate my dissatisfaction with ... clear systemic racism in our country."

Davis took to Twitter on Tuesday to elaborate on his decision:

pic.twitter.com/rY3SIiQqCy

— Jaylin Davis (@Jay_Dave23) July 21, 2020

Crawford explained to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle his decision to put his hands on the shoulders of Davis and Richardson:

"The anthem was something that had been discussed a little bit as a team and was something I personally went back and forth with for a while. Ultimately, I chose to stand because [wife] Jalynne's brother was in the military when he was younger and standing for the flag and what it is supposed to represent is a big deal for them, so it is for me too. That does not at all mean that I don't support the movement, or condone police brutality or inequality. I talked to Jaylin about putting my hand on his shoulder to show my support for him and the movement while still standing for the flag because of family being in the military. He was good with it and appreciated it. Antoan happened to be next to me also so I put my other hand on him for the same reasons. He thanked me for it afterwards. The biggest thing we talked about as a team was that we would support each other and be there for each other. Whether or not we kneel, I think that’s what this is all about. Being there to support and love each other."

Giants President Farhan Zaidi issued a statement supporting Kapler and the players:

Giants president Farhan Zaidi's statement to @TheAthletic in support of manager Gabe Kapler, the coaching staff and players: pic.twitter.com/ZybM7jiiDe

— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) July 21, 2020

The league also took to Twitter to answer those who criticized the Giants for kneeling:

Supporting human rights is not political.

— MLB (@MLB) July 21, 2020

It has never been about the military or the flag. The players and coaches are using their platforms to peacefully protest.

— MLB (@MLB) July 21, 2020

While former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick made national headlines when he knelt during the anthem to protest police brutality and racism, Kerry Crowley of the Mercury News noted former Oakland catcher Bruce Maxwell became the first and only MLB player to do so in September 2017.

As for Davis, he wrote an essay titled "The Stories That Are Hardest to Tell" in June that detailed the racism he has faced during his baseball career.

He pointed to the obvious instances of racism, including slurs that were directed toward him, but said there have been plenty of subtle examples, such as "feeling the stares of people at an upscale restaurant. Or trying to calm the pounding in your chest whenever a police car appears in your rearview mirror."

While Maxwell is the only baseball player to kneel during the anthem prior to a regular-season game, it would not be a surprise to see that change in 2020 as the fight for social justice and against systemic racism has sparked worldwide protests following the killing of George Floyd.

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty appeared on Matt Holliday's Table Forty podcast (h/t Tom Franklin of KMOX in St. Louis) and said it is "absolutely" possible some players will kneel this year and expressed regret more didn't support Maxwell when he did in 2017.

"It's not a political thing, it's literally a human rights thing," Flaherty said. "If that is something that is looked down upon, if it's looked down upon to advocate for human rights in that way, I don't really understand that. I think everybody is starting to come together."

San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey officially opted out of the 2020 MLB season Friday amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to NBC Sports Bay Area's Alex Pavlovic, Posey said he and his wife are adopting twin girls who were born prematurely last week, saying: "From a baseball standpoint it was a tough decision, from a family standpoint and feeling like I'm making a decision to protect our children, I feel like it was relatively easy."

However, he said the decision was one he "wrestled with quite a bit," per Jake Seiner of the Associated Press.

"My wife, myself, my children are just overwhelmed with joy to welcome them into our family." - @BusterPosey discussing the adoption of twin girls. #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/b5eOxZxG4g

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) July 10, 2020

The 2020 MLB season was originally supposed to start in March, but it was put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now set to commence July 23 with all 30 teams playing a 60-game schedule rather than the usual 162.

Last week, Posey told Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic that he was considering opting out of the season: "Yeah. Definitely. I think there's still some reservation on my end as well. I want to see how things progress over the next couple weeks. It would be ... naive or silly not to gauge what's going on around you."

Following Posey's official announcement, the Giants released a statement supporting his decision:

OFFICIAL: Buster Posey has opted out of the 2020 season. #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/wd9VE9219l

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) July 10, 2020

Giants President Farhan Zaidi showed his support for Posey on a Zoom call as well:

Giants President Farhan Zaidi and his son with a message for Buster Posey after he announced he was opting out of the season pic.twitter.com/Mmv6dwZtiV

— Jason Appelbaum (@JasonAppelbaum1) July 10, 2020

Per Pavlovic, Giants manager Gabe Kapler backed up Posey's choice as well: "I think Buster is making an incredibly thoughtful decision for him and his family and the one that makes the most sense."

Posey is perhaps the highest-profile player to opt out of the 2020 season thus far. He joins Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake, Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis and pitcher Felix Hernandez, Colorado Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price and Washington Nationals pitcher Joe Ross, first baseman Ryan Zimmerman and catcher Welington Castillo.

The 33-year-old Posey is an 11-year MLB veteran who boasts a highly impressive resume. He's a six-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger award winner, one-time Gold Glove award winner and one-time batting champion.

Posey was also named National League MVP in 2012 when he hit .336 with 24 home runs, 103 RBI and 78 runs scored.

Perhaps most importantly, Posey helped lead the Giants to World Series titles in 2010, 2012 and 2014, making him one of the most decorated players in Major League Baseball today.

Posey's numbers have dipped over the past two seasons because of injury and an overall decline in play. Last season, he hit just .257 with seven homers and 38 RBI. That marked the worst batting average of his career in a qualified season.

While Posey may not be the same player he once was, the Giants will undoubtedly miss his leadership and steadying presence.

With Posey out of the picture for 2020, it is possible that 2018 No. 2 overall draft pick Joey Bart could be given the first crack at replacing him.

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Bleacher Report's David Gardner interviews athletes and other sports figures for the podcast How to Survive Without Sports.