The SF Giants activated speedy outing Ryan McKennaon Tuesday. That was not the only move as Patrick Bailey was removed from the concussion list. Tyler Fitzgerald and Blake Sabol were optioned, per the team’s transaction log.
SF Giants activate speedy outfielder in series of roster moves
The Giants added McKenna over the weekend as a waiver claim from the Baltimore Orioles. Technically, he was not activated until Tuesday. Teams have a window to bring players onto the active roster.
The corresponding move was sending Fitzgerald down to Triple-A. That move occurred when the Giants had a day off on Monday. McKenna had appeared in parts of the past four seasons with the Orioles before being designated for assignment.
The right-handed bat has registered a .224/.302/.332 line (79 OPS+) with an 8.7 percent walk rate, 32.9 percent strikeout rate, and a .108 ISO. He does not hit for much power and strikes out at too high of a rate, but you would not know by his start to the 2024 season. He tallied three hits, including two home runs, in eight at-bats with the Orioles this season.
McKenna brings speed and defense to the table. That said, he is out of minor league options, so this could be a short-term move for the Giants.
Tyler Fitzgerald posted a solid .751 OPS in 55 plate appearances with the Giants while seeing time at multiple positions. He did register a 36.4 percent strikeout rate and a .419 babip so it is fair to suggest that his numbers are a tad inflated. However, Fitzgerald is one of the few options on the 40-man roster who can steal a base and that has value.
The good news is that Patrick Bailey was activated from the concussion list. He sustained the concussion at the beginning of May but continued to experience lingering symptoms even after being activated for the first time. Bailey gives the Giants a defensive presence behind the dish that is hard to replace. More important than that, the hope is that he does not have anymore lingering issues from the concussion.
Blake Sabol was optioned to Double-A. This may seem like an odd placement but it keeps him on the East Coast while the Giants are on the road in Pittsburgh and New York. They may need him again before the road trip is over.
