Manager Bob Melvin considered resting regulars after a mid-August sweep but a six-game winning streak likely postponed those plans. On Sept. 1 rosters expand from 26 to 28, forcing the Giants to add two players from Triple-A Sacramento and possibly prioritize contributors who can help the team win immediately. Marco Luciano, 23, converted from infield to outfield, has yet to debut this season despite an .801 OPS, 22 homers and strong July numbers (.250/.409/.569, 10 homers, 49 percent above league average by wRC+). The Giants also acquired catcher Jesus Rodriguez in the Camilo Doval trade; Rodriguez had limited catching opportunities in the Yankees' system.
With the Giants in the midst of a six-game winning streak, those plans are likely on hold. On Sept. 1, the Giants' brass will have to decide which two players they select from Triple-A Sacramento to join the big-league roster as rosters expand from 26 to 28. With San Francisco still mathematically alive, president of baseball operations Buster Posey and company may find themselves leaning towards players more equipped to win now.
Marco Luciano The Giants have had plenty of opportunities to call up Marco Luciano over the last couple months, especially after having the 23-year-old transition from infield to outfield in the offseason. With less than 30 games remaining, Luciano is still waiting for his first opportunity to play in the majors this season. Luciano hasn't exactly dominated with Sacramento, but he's hit well enough at times to warrant a look with San Francisco.
Overall, Luciano has an .801 OPS with 22 homers and has been nine percent better than league average, by weighted runs created plus (wRC+). Since July, specifically, Luciano is hitting .250/.409/.569 with 10 homers and, by wRC+, has been 49 percent better than league average. Luciano would've likely had a more compelling case to be called up if Luis Matos was struggling, but Matos is 13-for-30 (.433) with three homers and seven RBIs since being recalled from Sacramento.
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