SAN FRANCISCO — Casey Schmitt won’t be the Giants’ starting third baseman now that Matt Chapman is back from the injured list, but another starting opportunity awaits.
The Giants announced on Monday afternoon that Schmitt has been activated off the 10-day injured list after the infielder dealt with left hand inflammation for the last week-and-a-half. Schmitt will hit sixth and start at second base in his return, kicking off his time as San Francisco’s starting second baseman.
In a corresponding move, San Francisco optioned infielder Tyler Fitzgerald to Triple-A Sacramento. Additionally, catcher Logan Porter cleared waivers, elected free agency and re-signed a minor-league contract.
Before landing on the injured list, Schmitt played his way into the starting second baseman role by excelling in Chapman’s absence. In 14 games as Chapman’s replacement, Schmitt hit .375/.444/.646 with four homers and 12 RBIs before being plunked in the left hand by the Miami Marlins’ Calvin Faucher on June 25.
Schmitt, 26, played two rehab games with Triple-A Sacramento this weekend against the Reno Aces, going 1-for-5 with three walks.
“Just build off of what I was doing before I got hurt and keep the same mindset,” Schmitt said. “I made sure I wrote everything down that I was thinking — routine, stuff like that — and just make sure that I’m staying consistent with it. Staying consistent with my approach and just taking it one day at a time.”
Schmitt has primarily been a third baseman during his professional career but he’s not completely new to second base, having played 55 games at the position between the majors and minors. Last year, Schmitt spent several weeks as San Francisco’s starting second baseman after Thairo Estrada hit the injured list.
“Like any new position, it’s going to take a little bit of time, but he does have some experience playing there,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said. “(Brett) Wisely has been playing pretty good, too. We got to mix him in there as well, but predominately second base for Casey.”
With Chapman and Schmitt both back from the injured list, the Giants will have their first opportunity to deploy a fully operational starting lineup since acquiring Rafael Devers in mid-June. In their first two games with Chapman back, San Francisco’s offense has generated 13 runs on 19 hits.
“We’ve got a great squad here, top to bottom, and I’m really excited to get out there,” Schmitt said.
As far as Fitzgerald, he returns to Sacramento for what should be an extended run with the River Cats.
The Giants optioned Fitzgerald on June 23 due to his extended struggles and intended for him to spend several weeks with Sacramento to find his rhythm and regain his confidence. But on June 30, San Francisco recalled Fitzgerald after placing Schmitt on the injured list.
In his brief time back with the Giants, Fitzgerald went 4-for-20 with a homer, two doubles and three RBIs (.723 OPS). Now, Fitzgerald will head back to Sacramento.
“When we sent him down, we wanted him to get some at-bats to get going. Based on injury, it didn’t work out that way,” Melvins said. “I think he kind of knew (being optioned) was coming, too. He needs to get comfortable again at the plate. There’s a lot to like about Fitzy. I think this is a little bit of a reset and take a little pressure off.”
Worth noting
- Infielder/outfielder Jerar Encarnacion (left oblique strain) took batting practice on Monday, the first time he’s done so since sustaining the injury. He will continue to ramp up his hitting the rest of this week.
- Infielder Christian Koss (left hamstring strain) will begin baseball activity this week. He will be re-evaluated after the All-Star Break.
- Left-handed reliever Erik Miller (left elbow sprain) is currently not participating in any baseball activity. He is rehabbing and receiving treatment, and he will be re-evaluated after the All-Star Break.
Originally Published: July 7, 2025 at 3:39 PM PDT
