Giants infielder/outfielder Casey Schmitt was pulled from last night’s win over the Brewers with a knee injury. He came up lame after singling in the second inning. San Francisco is sending Schmitt for an MRI today, manager Tony Vitello told reporters, including Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area. The skipper added that Schmitt is “probably going to miss some significant time.”
Schmitt has been one of the brightest spots in a largely forgettable Giants season. The 27-year-old utilityman forced his way into regular playing time with a .966 OPS in April. He’s cooled off since then, but has remained a steady producer in the middle of San Francisco’s lineup. Schmitt is slashing .271/.301/.483 across 409 plate appearances. He’s set career highs in homers (21) and stolen bases (9).
The Giants are clear sellers heading into the trade deadline. While Schmitt is a long shot to be moved, he was expected to slot at second base with Luis Arraez likely headed out the door. The Giants will now need another solution at the keystone if/when Arraez departs. Schmitt has spent time at all four infield positions and left field this season. He’s struggled in his first stint as an outfielder in the big leagues (-4 Defensive Runs Saved), but he’s been a positive defender at first, second, and third base.
The return of third baseman Matt Chapman will provide a boost to the Giants’ infield. Vitello said he’s expected to rejoin the club this weekend. Chapman has missed all of July with an abdominal strain. Schmitt has been the everyday third baseman this month. Christian Koss took over for Schmitt last night and is the most likely choice to cover the hot corner until Chapman is back.
Infield prospect Parks Harber recently made the jump to Triple-A. The 24-year-old is hitting .415 in nine games with Sacramento. He’s not on the 40-man roster yet, so San Francisco might be hesitant to bring him up with Chapman almost ready, but he could get a shot with the big-league club at some point this year. Harber has dominated at each level of the minors since coming over from the Yankees in the Camilo Doval trade last summer.
