This is currently the turning point for the San Francisco Giants.
They decided not to trade their best players at the deadline. Their goal was to make the playoffs this season after revamping their roster over the winter.
Having failed to maintain a consistent winning streak all year, the Giants now find themselves on the edge of the Wild Card race and it doesn't look like they'll be able to mount a late charge and secure one of the final three spots.
Perhaps the organization has come to terms with the fact that it probably won't play baseball this fall season after making a telling move and placing three of its contributing players on the waivers list, allowing other teams to claim them.
This is a common pay cut tactic for teams that don't expect to make the playoffs.
In the meantime, however, San Francisco will get at least one of its key players back after announcing that Patrick Bailey has been activated from the injured list.
#SFGiants Squad changes:
– C Patrick Bailey (#14) was activated from the 10-day injured list.
– C Andrew Knapp designated for assignment.— SF Giants (@SFGiants) 29 August 2024
The second-year catcher was placed on the 10-day IL on August 19 due to a strained right oblique muscle. The hope was that it would be minimal time on the bench and he could return in the minimal amount of time to jump right back into the lineup.
Bailey has been a great defensive player in his short career, but still struggles at the plate.
His slash line of .233/.299/.344 with seven home runs and 38 RBI in 96 games is virtually identical to what he put up in his rookie season, when he produced an OPS+ well below league average in both seasons.
Still, having Bailey back behind the plate should be a boost for the pitchers, with the front office hoping their starting lineup would allow the team to heat up down the stretch and secure a playoff spot.
Whether this will succeed remains to be seen, as the Giants are running out of time.
