SAN FRANCISCO — He was signed late in spring. He did his job, to the degree the Giants could realistically expect. And, when their need for his services expired, they discarded Nick Ahmed, sending the veteran shortstop packing before Tuesday’s series opener against the Blue Jays.
Ahmed, 34, was designated for assignment in a series of roster moves that also activated another pair of infielders, Thairo Estrada and Wilmer Flores, from the injured list, along with Blake Snell, signaling their comfort moving forward with Brett Wisely and Tyler Fitzgerland splitting shortstop duties moving forward.
“We felt like with Fitzy, he’s here not really getting to play a whole lot, doesn’t know what his role is when he gets to play,” manager Bob Melvin said. “With younger players, that’s more difficult. And Wisely had played really well at shortstop too. So with Estrada coming back, a tough decision, but there’s a little bit more youth here now than a couple days ago.”
The Giants had one open spot on their active roster after trading Austin Slater to Cincinnati on Sunday and created another by optioning recent waiver claim Kolton Ingram, a 27-year-old left-hander, to Triple-A Sacramento.
Likewise, Melvin said, moving on from Slater was in order to give more opportunities to another young player, Luis Matos.
“We felt Luis should get some more reps, based on how he played earlier,” Melvin said. “And it’s tougher not knowing your role. Younger players need some more reps and at-bats. This is one way of doing it for him.”
Initially signed as an insurance plan to top prospect Marco Luciano at shortstop in spring training, Ahmed went on to win the Opening Day job and appeared in 52 games, maintaining his strong defensive reputation while providing some timely hits but holding a batting average of .232 and an OPS of .581.
With Estrada out since June 28 with a sprained wrist, Wisely had handled duties at second base alongside Ahmed at short, but with Estrada returning his normal spot, the move allows the Giants to continue to give consistent playing time to Wisely, a 25-year-old left-handed hitter who can play three infield spots and has been a sensation at the plate, batting .278 with three home runs despite his diminutive 5-foot-9 frame.
Tyler Fitzgerald, a right-handed hitter, should also receive more opportunities against left-handed pitching, Melvin said.
“You don’t see as many lefties, so Wisely is going to get the most at-bats,” Melvin said. “Wisely has swung the bat pretty well against lefties, but I think both of them are going to get an opportunity to play and know where they’re going to play and prepare for that.”
At Triple-A, Luciano has been taking reps at second base and occasionally DHing while batting .230 with a .687 OPS.
With left-hander Yusei Kikuchi on the mound for Toronto, Flores slotted back into the starting lineup at first base. He went on the injured list the same day as Estrada, with right knee tendonitis.
Snell is set to make his first start since a groin strain sent him to the injured list for a second time this season.
