PHOENIX — The Giants didn’t take batting practice Thursday, hopeful that a bit of a break could help an offense that has struggled through this three-city trip. But Matt Chapman still worked up a sweat.
Chapman took BP on the field at Chase Field and then faced balls coming out of a machine with the velocity turned up, and everything went well. He said afterward that he was “pain-free” while swinging, and he’s just about ready to return.
Chapman’s sprained fingers felt good, but he wasn’t thrilled with his swing after three weeks off. The plan is for him to suit up for Triple-A Sacramento on Friday night when the affiliate plays in Reno. If all goes well, Chapman could return this weekend in Sacramento against the Athletics.
“He didn’t feel anything, felt great — he’s frustrated with his swing right now, but that’s the way it goes with him,” manager Bob Melvin said, smiling. “He ended his session mad. That’s a good thing.”
While the Giants aren’t thrilled about their schedule this week — seven night games, including one Thursday on a getaway day and another Sunday to end a holiday weekend — they did catch a break with the Triple-A schedule. The River Cats will be a drive away, likely allowing both Chapman and Casey Schmitt (left hand inflammation) to rehab this weekend.
Even if Chapman isn’t ready Saturday or Sunday, there’s little doubt that he’ll be in the lineup Monday when the Giants return to Oracle Park to face the Philadelphia Phillies. Originally the staff was targeting next weekend’s series against the Los Angeles Dodgers for Chapman’s return, but he has sailed through the rehab process after injuring three fingers on a slide in early June.
Schmitt got a cortisone shot Wednesday and should be back when eligible Monday. He’s likely to be the starter at second base given how well he played when he briefly replaced Chapman.
