The San Francisco Giants dropped to 20-30 after getting swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three-game series. Trending toward missing the postseason for the fifth straight season, the offense has been one of the team's biggest concerns.
They are tied for 11th in batting average (.244), rank 30th in on-base percentage (.291) and 19th in slugging percentage (.378). San Francisco has made several attempts to boost the lineup, which includes calling up first baseman Bryce Eldridge.
After making his debut back in 2025, the 21-year-old faces high expectations. He sits as the Giants' No. 1 prospect and MLB's No. 18 prospect, according to MLB.com.
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However, he hasn't been a consistent piece to the Giants' lineup. In a decision that has faced scrutiny, the first baseman has appeared in just 10 games and logged 32 at-bats since being called up.
During an appearance on KNBR, Buster Posey, San Francisco's president of baseball operations, addressed the team's choice not to give Eldridge more playing time.
"You’re trying to get the 21-year-old in the best spot you can… we’ll have to just evaluate as each day goes on."
When asked by KNBR's Markus Boucher about making Eldridge an everyday player, Posey responded, "I think that’s something we’re going to evaluate day to day.”
Since making his season debut, the organization's top prospect has struggled. Eldridge has accumulated just five hits, one run scored, two RBIs and one home run. He is also slashing .156/.229/.281 with a .510 OPS.
However, many argue that his limited playing time is stunting his growth. During an appearance on "Foul Territory," USA Today's Bob Nightengale said, "All they're doing is hurting his development."
Now going into a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox, Posey and first-year manager Tony Vitello face increased pressure to put Eldridge on the field.
