The call-up of Marco Luciano doesn’t mean the Giants have shut the door on a potential trade for an infielder.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, San Francisco has engaged in conversations about a trade for the Cardinals’ Paul DeJong and the Royals’ Nicky Lopez. Here’s what Feinsand wrote:
“The Giants are seeking middle-infield help, per sources, touching base with the Royals about Nicky Lopez and the Cardinals about Paul DeJong. St. Louis also has Tommy Edman and Brendan Donovan, who are drawing interest from multiple clubs.”
DeJong, 29, is a former All-Star shortstop who has been solid at the plate this season, slashing .237/.303/.422 with 13 home runs. Lopez, 28, would be brought in a defensive specialist. He’s slashing just .213/.322/.284 with no home runs in 66 games this season, but can play all the infield positions aside from first base.
Brandon Crawford and Thairo Estrada are both still on the Injured List but are slated to return relatively soon. Brett Wisely and Casey Schmitt have no hit nearly well enough as replacements, which led to the call-up of Luciano.
San Francisco’s offense has largely cratered without consistent production from the middle infield. While SF hopes Luciano can stem the tide, he is unproven and can’t be expected to turn things around on his own.