Giants Surprise with Opening Day Roster Moves

0:00On March 25, the San Francisco Giants wrapped up their opening day roster with some surprise moves, bringing back Outfielder Jared Oliva for the first time since 2021. The 30-year-old non-Roster invitee impressed in spring training, hitting 375 with 14 stolen bases over 20 games, earning him a backup Outfield spot. That decision meant designating young Outfielder Lewis Matos for assignment after six years in the organization. Matos, just 24, has struggled to stick as a regular, and with no options left, the team chose Oliva's speed and defense instead. The Giants ranked near the bottom in stolen bases last year, with only 68, so they see Oliva as a boost on the bases. Team leaders expressed mixed feelings about the Matos move. President of baseball operations, Buster Posey, called it tough but necessary, hoping to bring Matos back if he clears waivers. Team A, Heliot Ramos praised Matos as a great player and person, wishing him well elsewhere.

1:01The good news didn't stop there, as two more non-Roster types made the cut. Right-hander Caleb Killian, drafted by the Giants back in 2019 before a trade, landed in the bullpen after a strong spring with a sub-one, ERA. Rule 5 pick, Daniel Susak, also napped the back-up catcher roll over a veteran, following in his brother's footsteps from a decade ago. These additions give the Giants fresh energy and speed right out of the gate, setting up an exciting start to the season as they push to run more. Aggressively, that's your MLB News Today update. AI-powered and always on.