5:23pm: Smith has officially been placed on the injured list with a right hamstring strain. Outfielder Jerar Encarnacion was recalled to the roster in a corresponding move.
2:24pm: Patrick Bailey’s walkoff grand slam gave San Francisco a memorable 5-1 win over the Dodgers yesterday, but it wasn’t an entirely perfect night for the surging Giants. First baseman Dominic Smith had to make an early exit in the fourth inning after suffering a thigh strain, and manager Bob Melvin said postgame that Smith would undergo an MRI.
“Usually those things are a little bit tougher, but I think it’s higher [on his hamstring], which is a little bit better. We’re not sure where it’s going to go,” Melvin told MLB.com’s Maria Guardado and other reporters, before praising Smith’s determination in completing the play that led to his injury.
Matt Chapman made a diving stop of an Andy Pages grounder in the top of the fourth, and then rocketed a throw across the diamond that was aimed just a bit short of first base. However, Smith made a big stretch to snag the throw just before Pages hit the bag, and the inning-ending out was upheld after a replay challenge from the Dodgers. Smith was in obvious discomfort after making the play, and Wilmer Flores pinch-hit for Smith in the bottom half of the fourth.
2025 has been a resurgent season for Smith, who hit only .241/.311/.360 over 1538 plate appearances with four different teams from 2021-24. Starting this year on a pair of minor league contracts with the Yankees, Smith didn’t receive a call-up, and triggered an opt-out clause to re-enter free agency in June, with the Giants quickly signing the first baseman to a Major League deal.
The result has been a .284/.333/.417 slash line across 225 plate appearances for Smith in a San Francisco uniform. A .329 BABIP has helped Smith overcome some uninspiring hard contact numbers, but Smith has been making a lot of contact (18.7% strikeout rate) in general. The majority of his playing time has come against right-handed pitching, as the Giants utilized the lefty-swinging Smith in a first base platoon initially with Flores.
Rafael Devers’ emergence as a first baseman didn’t knock Smith out of the lineup, and Flores has increasingly been the odd man out with Devers and Smith splitting time between the first base and DH slots. Should Smith have to miss time on the injured list, Flores is the most logical candidate to step into his role.
Smith’s signing didn’t draw much buzz back in June, yet in classic “you just never know” fashion, his health may play a significant factor in the playoff race. The red-hot Giants have won 14 of their 18 games and the Mets are on a seven-game losing streak, leaving San Francisco just a half-game behind New York for the final NL wild card slot. With things finally clicking for the Giants, the last thing they need is an injury to a player who has become a lineup staple.
I really like what he’s done, but an upgrade in the off-season is needed.
Smith is on a one-year deal and Eldridge is waiting in the wings. I don’t think a single person expects Smith to be the long-term answer.
I agree with Kapler on this one. Eldridge will be up with the Giants by mid-2026 with a small chance even on Opening Day. Smith could get a one year major league deal at or near the minimum.
Devers as DH, Eldridge at 1B, Adam’s at SS, Chapman at 3B, Ramos and Lee with two outfield spots, and Bailey either as starting catcher or in a time share. Giants could use a free agent outfielder as Matos and Luciano have yet to break through. Schmidt could be the 2B or they could upgrade and push Schmidt to utility.
Rotation including Webb, Ray, Whisenhunt, Birdsong, Roupp could be upgraded by one more year of Verlander and even an established quality starter.
Matos may have yet to break through, but he’s showing signs that he may be on the verge of one. Over his last 18 games he’s hit .322/.359/.559 for a .919 OPS. I’m not sure the Giants shouldn’t trade Ramos, and roll the dice with Matos.
Ramos’ numbers have declined over the season, going from a 1.007 OPS in May to sub-.700 OPS numbers since July 1. His Statcast page isn’t pretty. He’s in the 80th percentile or above for bat speed and exit velo, but that’s about it.
He’s been below average (46th percentile) in barrels to down right poor (12th percentile) in launch angle sweet spot. He’s striking out a lot (39th percentile) because he’s been chasing pitches out of the zone (36th percentile). And his walk rate is not good (36th percentile).
Bailey will be the main catcher, because Posey and Melvin understand the value he brings behind the plate. I doubt Verlander would want to return, given his desire to get 300 wins, when the Giants have been poor in helping him do that.
Ha ha. 20th different opening day LF in a row.
A more athletic guy would make them better.
Smith will get a one-year deal from someone. He has been a revelation both at bat and in the field. But I don’t think—like many here—that the Giants will have a spot for him in 2026 unless neither Gilbert nor McCray make the roster.
In that case Smith could make a few starts in LF (where he’s less vulnerable defensively) and be a late inning defensive replacement for Eldridge at 1b. He would also be in line for lots of pinch hitting.
But I think Gilbert has shown in his short time in SF that he deserves a spot on the roster. If McCray could cut down on the K’s he’d also make the roster. Luciano will never play for the Giants, he’ll be dealt this winter.
Webb, Ray & Roupp are in the rotation, with Whisenhunt likely, but Birdsong is not a cinch, so Buster will go out and sign at least one #2-3 rotation arm, and might bring Verlander back after his strong return to form these last 4 starts (although I agree he may not want to return to SF). His record should at least be 5-9. And now he has an ERA under 4.00.
Excellent post JM and you didn’t even mention his D.I read where he is also one of if not the worst defensive left fielder in the game.
Jean
I am skeptical that either Ramos or Matos would get much on the trade market, so I would say keep both of them let them compete for a corner outfield slot and keep the other as a reserve outfielder. I think Ramos has the better bat, but you’re right that he’s had a downturn.
I don’t see Verlander getting to 300 wins, that would take four seasons at 9 wins per season. But if the Giants could snag a younger guy like Ranger Sanchez it would go a long way. Since I don’t think the Giants will win the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes.
Where do you guys place Fitzgerald? Can he be a starter on the infield or should he be used strictly as utility/backup?? Or maybe traded. I would perhaps hold your horses a bit on Eldridge, he’s still only 20 and striking out at high percentage rates…maybe keep him down until Sept ’26 or such. Just to be on the safe side at least; you don’t want to bring him up to fail.
Or Jetsr?
NRI, Yeah, Ramos ranks 34th, dead last among qualified LFers with -9 OAA.
Jerar?
I disagree on both Ramos and Matos, and Verlander. Matos is 2 years younger than Ramos. Here’s a comparison of their previous years:
At age 21, Ramos did not play in MLB, and Matos had an 85 OPS+
At age 22 Ramos in a very sample had a -16 OPS+, and Matos had a 66 OPS+
At age 23 Ramos had a 48 OPS+, and Matos (this season) has a 94 OPS+.
I don’t see a lot of value in the direct comparison, but to me it indicates Matos was more advanced, and more mature, with probably a better bat, at a younger age.
Verlander is 35 wins short, and wants to pitch until he’s 45. A team that piles up a lot of wins, like the Dodgers, Phillies, Brewers, Yankees, etc. with a solid offense could get him 12 -15 wins a season. I wouldn’t bet on it, but I wouldn’t say he’s got no shot either.
I have zero hope for Fitzgerald. His success was a flash in the pan. Once the pitchers adjusted to him, he was then unable to adjust to them. Unlike Schmitt, who came back from AAA with much better plate discipline, Fitzgerald did not.
I’m not completely sold on Schmitt, but I think both he and Koss have a significantly better upside than Fitzgerald. Unless Fitzgerald remakes himself into an entirely different guy at the plate, I see him as a career minor leaguer for depth only.
Jean
I am sorry to say that I agree with you on Fitzgerald.
Your logic as to JV makes sense. If he plans 2-3 more years.
I still like Ramos even though you have persuaded me some on Matos. I also liked Yaz more than most.
Regardless of the future, Smith is a pro. I thought very little of him as a Met but when he went to the Red Sox, I saw limitations but I also a professional who contributed where he could. Many fans were sorry to see him leave last year despite an understanding he was always a short term option. Hopefully, he finds another opportunity next year. It’s just too bad he’s limited to first base in my view and is not a switch hitter. Because he doesn’t bring power, he’ll likely though have to wait for an injury again.
Yeah, unfortunately insufficient power- I do believe Dominic is among the smoothest fielding first baseman I have seen play.
Always felt like he had the goods just needed the right spot with the right coaching. Hope he’s found it
He looked like a broken scissors on the bag after that play. I hope he’s back-very productive roster piece this year.
Agreed. At the end of that play I was thinking ouch, that’s going to hurt for a while.
Very important out, since the game eventually went extras.
Dom has spoken at length about his increasing mental awareness and wisdom as he’s matured.
His newfound spiritualism shows with his results; he’s not beating himself up after a bad at bat or play. That kind of sage baseball knowledge makes for a great teammate and future coach/manager.
It would be nice to bring Dom back next year, as a bench player. He’s said himself he can play the OF but SFG hasn’t utilized him there. He deserves a starting job somewhere, even if it’s a platoon. That’s why he probably won’t be a Giant in 2026.
Wish him good health and all the best.
There you go. Good for him. It’s working. Carries himself well.
Dom doesn’t belong in the outfield.
Dom needs to have some brotherly words with ex-super-prospect Jerred Kelenic…that is exactly his bogey man too, he just beats himself up relentlessly over every little failure. You can’t be a perfectionist in baseball, it’s a game of failure. I am glad to hear Dom Smith has figured it out mentally to some extent
Keep trotting Tanner out there Roberts. Keep walking your team into the abyss of wait til next year.
Very unfortunate. Hopefully it’s something he can take a few days off and battle through. Fingers crossed.
On another note, baseball is awesome. There is nothing like the 162 game ride.
No doubt. This has been a wild year of low lows and high highs!
Bailey last night, best. bat. flip. ever !
Ha ha. I enjoyed it. Don’t get the Bailey detractors. Cool as. 26 going on 36.
This is why MLB/owners can never mess with 162 games. That number is sacred! (okay 154 what used for a long time as well and I could live with that, but no less!!!)
It’s what makes it unique. I’ve tried to indoctrinate some Aussie mates over the years. Got the Cards a new fan but largely unsuccessful. They try to watch a game and the lack of pace gets them. I try to tell them it’s about the 162 games but they don’t get it. Nothing to relate it too.
I’d be good with reverting to the 154 game regular season. When they went to the 162 game season there were no divisions. Top team in the NL played the top team in the AL. The max possible number of games in the PS was 7 games.
When they they went to divisions the max possible number of PS games was only 12. Now a team could play an additional 22 games in the PS. 154 games could mitigate some of that and with less chance of cold weather play.
Pulling for the Giants to grab the final wild card, then snap the Dodgers off in the playoffs.
Crossing my fingers!
HEY THE ANGELS CALLED UP DENZER GUZMAN CAN I HAVE AN ARTICLE PLEASE
Uhhhh sure, here ya go!
mlbtraderumors.com/2025/09/angels-designate-niko-k…
The Domers, always the Domers.
Jerar needs to get long ball crazy for a couple weeks, be an upgrade & capitalize on the opportunity to be considered for 2026 !
How has Devers looked at 1B? It can’t be any worse than how he was at 3B…
Surprisingly good I would say.
No issues. Makes all the plays he needs to.
Improving impressively according to the announcers.
Started a very crisp 3-6-1 DP last night that kept the Dodgers scoreless in an inning that started bases-loaded nobody out. In the end it didn’t matter as the Giants couldn’t pitch at all in this game, but it was a nice play at the time.
Aaaaasannd they called up Eldridge .. article incoming