SAN FRANCISCO – Monday morning the Giants brought in yet another outfielder in an attempt to finally find the right configuration to supplement a struggling Giants offense.
The Giants lineup for Monday night’s contest against the San Diego Padres features new power-hitting right-hander Tyler Austin. Austin, who San Francisco acquired in a trade with the Twins, is batting second and playing first base.
Prior to Monday’s game, Bochy discussed how Austin’s bat will complement a left-handed heavy Giants lineup.
“He’s going to provide some punch, nice right-handed bat that we need, I think that’s fair to say, and we’re looking for a little bit more punch there. He will provide that. He’s a guy that’s had a history of having success against left-handed pitching.”
With Brandon Belt starting Monday night’s game in left field, Bochy may move Belt back to first base if he needs to.
“Late in the game you can see us move guys around, Belt can go back to first because it’s hard to find a better defender than Belt. And of course with (Gerardo) Parra ready, I want to put him (Belt) out there in left field. “
A Giants lineup that features more lefties than righties has struggled early on against left-handed pitchers. The additions of Kevin Pillar and Austin can provide a couple of right-handed bats to complement a left-handed heavy lineup.
“I think it does. It gives us a couple of right-handed bats, experienced bats, and that’s not a knock against the guys that we had. You had Connor Joe who was trying to find his way here. With Pillar and his experience, and also Tyler’s gone from the Yankees to the Twins, he’s had success in the major leagues, and I think it does give us a stronger lineup.”
Austin has been known for his strikeouts. He struck out almost 40 percent of the time last season. Bochy does not seem to mind.
“I think you have to do some little things, keep the line moving, all these things they’re talking about, but at the same time, you have to have some power. I think you look at even the teams we’re playing, the numbers show it, the slugging, the OPS, they’re higher than ours, so it’s nice to have power. Power’s not always home runs, but doubles and triples, and it’s a lot easier to score that way and you need to have a guy or two in the lineup that’s going to help provide that.”
Bochy discussed how the Giants will use Austin, and where and when he’s expected to play moving forward.
“He’s going to get some first base play, especially against left-handers. I’m going to talk to him here about playing some outfield, it’s been a while since he’s been out there, so thats why we’re going this way right now. I think Brandon (Belt) is a little more comfortable shifting out to the outfield for a few days here, but hey we’ll see how it goes. If we want to switch it we can. It’s nice to have versatility because Belt’s been out there too.”
With recent moves to acquire Pillar and Austin, Bochy likes to make his new players feel as comfortable as he can right away. When deciding who will play left field, Bochy believes Belt is more comfortable in the outfield.
“I think initially here, similar to the Pillar and Duggar situation, that worked out well and Duggars done a great job in right field. So as a guys getting acclimated, trying to find his way here, instead of learning a new position right off the bat, getting used to a new league, I just try and make it simpler for him.”
Austin and the Giants will face another lefty Monday night as they welcome the Padres to Oracle Park for the first time this season.