Story by
Grant McCray continues to show off impressive tools in Giants' win vs. Brewers
- Story by
- Grant McCray continues to show off impressive tools in Giants' win vs. Brewers
Grant McCray continues to show off impressive tools in Giants' win vs. Brewers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO — Grant McCray hit a 111 mph rocket in his first at-bat Monday, but he never had a chance to show off his speed. The ball was hit right at second baseman Brice Turang , who flipped it to second for an inning-ending double play.
Advertisement
As McCray walked off the field, he encountered Milwaukee Brewers starter Brandon Sproat . The right-hander covered his face and appeared to say something to the young outfielder.
"He didn't say anything negative," McCray said after a 3-0 win . "He just said 'good swing.'"
The next one was even better.
McCray provided most of the offense in the win, hitting an impressive opposite-field shot to pick up his first hit and homer of the season. The fourth-inning blast went 406 feet and had the type of trajectory that you would expect from Rafael Devers or Bryce Eldridge , especially during a night game.
McCray has just eight at-bats this year, and still just the one hit. The homer snapped a 22 at-bat hitless streak going back to last season, but he sure has had some highlights. It was his first since a two-homer game at Petco Park in 2024.
Advertisement
The production hasn't been there, but the tools continue to jump off the screen. On Friday, McCray stole a big base and made a 94 mph throw to third that helped seal a win.
"In the last seven days he's shown you everything he can do, whether it's stealing base in an important situation, throwing runners out, playing hard up until the last moment," manager Tony Vitello said. "Now he's got some at-bats and he's getting some live pitching under his belt, you're getting to see him use that swing. It's got a lot of whip to it."
McCray is in a fascinating spot at the moment. He's a former third-round pick who still is just 25 years old, and it's an intriguing blend of power, speed and elite defense. At the same time, he hasn't hit much at the big league level, and the numbers didn't stand out in Triple-A earlier this year.
Advertisement
For the Giants, though, the path should be clear. They're 16 games under .500 and need to figure out who can be part of the solution long term. There shouldn't be much standing in the way of giving McCray some real opportunities over the next couple of months, especially once they clear some veterans out at the trade deadline.
For now, McCray is just happy with the opportunities he has gotten over the first two weeks of the second half.
"I've been able to get at-bats, that's the main thing," McCray said. "I know I can change the game offensively and defensively. Just being able to show that side has been awesome."
Trainer's Room
Before the Casey Schmitt injury , the Giants didn't expect to get Matt Chapman back on this homestand. The third baseman is just about ready, but Vitello said on Monday afternoon that Chapman's return from an abdominal strain probably would come later this week at Petco Park.
Advertisement
There's also still some question about what's next for Harrison Bader (plantar fasciitis) and Trevor McDonald (elbow sprain), at least publicly. Both have sought second opinions and Vitello said they have all of the information they need, although there were no announcements or decisions on Monday.
McDonald's decision is much more difficult, as surgery is potentially an option. The Giants still are hopeful that Bader will heal in time to return at some point down the stretch.
The news was much better in Single-A. Top prospect Josuar Gonzalez came out of his Low-A debut on Saturday with a groin cramp, but he's expected to be in the lineup when the San Jose Giants play on Tuesday night.
Running Game
The Giants are 15-for-15 in stolen-base attempts in July, although they did have a couple of runners picked off Monday. It was their first three-steal game of the season and the first allowed by the Brewers.
Advertisement
They're in the top 10 in baseball in stolen bases this month after ranking dead last with just 27 through the end of June. At that point, they had also been caught 12 times.
Vitello said there have been better conversations behind the scenes over the last few weeks.
"I think there's been more intent on grabbing what info is there and trying to use it, and then also taking advantage of our feelings or thoughts on being as aggressive as possible," he said.
