SAN FRANCISCO — The biggest decision the Giants had to make this spring was whether or not Bryce Eldridge would start the 2026 season in the big leagues. Two days before they returned home, they provided the answer. 

Eldridge was optioned back to Triple-A on Thursday, along with infielder Tyler Fitzgerald and outfielder Grant McCray. The 21-year-old had hoped to crack the Opening Day roster, but instead will return to Sacramento, where he played 66 games last season before a September cameo in the big leagues. 

The Giants seemed to be split on the decision early in camp, but in recent days it became apparent to even Eldridge’s biggest supporters behind the scenes that he would be heading back to the minor leagues. 

Eldridge had a solid spring, posting a .830 OPS with his usual batted-ball metrics, and there was a stretch early in March when he was having some of the best at-bats on the roster. But the production had slowed over the last few days, and he had 19 strikeouts in 40 at-bats through Wednesday’s game.

Eldridge made huge strides defensively over the past year and now will get to play first base every day, at least early in the season. In the big leagues, Rafael Devers will get most of those reps. 

McCray made a strong roster push early in camp and seemed to have a much-improved approach at the plate. He had a .792 OPS with six strikeouts to eight walks, showing he’ll be a better option this time around when help is needed in the outfield. 

Fitzgerald entered camp behind Casey Schmitt and Christian Koss, and that never changed. He moved around the field more than in the past and could see increased time in the outfield, but he hit just .189 in 20 Cactus League games. 

With Eldridge back in Triple-A, Jerar Encarnación appears to be in a good spot, and he could start on Opening Day against the New York Yankees and lefty Max Fried. The Giants also have cleared a path to keep Luis Matos if they want to. Both Encarnación and Matos are out of options. 

Will Brennan, Drew Gilbert, Jared Oliva and Victor Bericoto also have remained in the mix as the Giants have made several cuts this week. Bericoto has been one of the best players in camp, hitting .457 with three homers and putting himself on the radar after coming in as a non-roster invitee. 

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