Spring Training Game Wrap 3/10/2025: Giants 8 Rockies 2

Grant McCray sparked the Giants road lineup to a big day in support of Logan Webb's third start of the spring.  Key Lines:

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SB(4).  BA= .346.  McCray got off to a slow start to the spring but has come on strong in recent games.  I would not count him out of an Opening Day roster spot as he bats lefthanded and is probably the best defensive CF in the organization.  On the other hand he probably could use some more seasoning at the plate in AAA.

Luis Matos LF- 1 for 4, SB(1).  BA- .324.  Speaking of roster spots, Matos is probably McCray's main competition. He's having a solid spring too.

Jake Lamb 1B- 2 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .313.  Also speaking of roster spots, Lamb was brought in on one of those conditional, non-guaranteed major league deals where it's officially a minor league deal but with a guaranteed major league salary above the minimum if he makes the Opening Day roster.  Those guys usually get picked up if they perform well in spring training.  If he does make the roster, it could make it less imperative for other reserve/utility guys to bat lefthanded.  Man!  This is getting complicated!  Buster and Melvin have their work cut out for them.

Jerar Encarnacion RF- 1 for 3, SF.  BA= .344.  Another roster candidate who is having a good spring.  Melvin has said they are looking for better situational hitting.  Melvin and Buster already know he has light-tower power but delivering the Sac Fly might impress them more than a HR.

Victor Bericoto 1B- 1 for 1, 2B.  BA= .286.  Another minor league camp player who has done well in limited opportunities as a reserve in big league games.

Sam Huff C- 1 for 3, BB.  BA= .313.  Huff would seem to have the inside track to be the backup catcher due to holding a 40-man roster spot assuming Tom Murphy C starts the season on the IL which seems almost certain after today's news.

Casey Schmitt 3B- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 SF.  BA= .300.  The good news for Mighty Casey:  The coaching staff loves Sac Flies.  The Bad News:  The Sac Flies give him a lower OBP than BA.

Adrian Sugastey C- 1 for 1.  BA= .300.  Sugastey is in an interesting position.  He is probably the most advanced catching prospect in the system, although he struggled at the plate in AA Richmond last season.  He's in major league camp due to a catcher shortage after Tom Murphy came up injured.  What happens to Max Stassi C if Huff is the backup catcher?  I could see a scenario where Sugastey starts the season in AAA and is the first call up if the Giants have a need at the catcher position.

Logan Webb RHP- 4.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K's, 6/1 GO/AO.  ERA= 2.79.  Webb threw 64 pitches.  He has a history of slow spring starts but has looked like he's in midseason form so far.

Sean Hjelle RHP- 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.60.  This was Hjelle's 5'th spring appearance. He's mostly looked good.  Melvin likes him.  Probable lock for a bullpen roster spot.

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's, 3/1 GO/AO.  ERA= 1.29.  Birdsong has looked pretty electric all spring.  Is he the new frontrunner for #5 SP?

Justin Verlander RHP makes his third spring start(he also threw a sim game in minor league camp) tomorrow afternoon(4:05 PM PDT) against the A's in Scottsdale. The game is televised on NBCSBA and MLBN.

Osleivis Basabe SS was optioned to minor league camp today.  Wade Meckler OF reportedly has a neck strain and is in a concussion protocol after coming down hard trying to catch a drive yesterday.  Tom Murphy C is scheduled to get a second epidural injection for his herniated disk.  He'll be re-evaluated in 2 weeks making it almost certain he'll start the season on the IL.