SAN FRANCISCO — This was supposed to be a night of firsts for Tony Vitello, but it ended up being more memorable for another Giant.
Bryce Eldridge hit a loud opposite-field home run late in an exhibition game against Sultanes de Monterrey at Oracle Park, and the 21-year-old said it was his first time going deep in any big league ballpark. The closest he had come was his time in Sacramento — where the Athletics play along with the River Cats — and a few times taking BP at big league parks ahead of the 2023 draft.
“That was cool. I definitely embraced it running around the bases,” Eldridge said. “I was trying not to smile at all, trying to be cool, but going around third I couldn’t stop myself from smiling a bit.”
The homer was Eldridge’s second in two days since the Giants returned to California. He also homered in Sunday’s exhibition in Sacramento, but he was on the other side in that game. The Giants announced last week that Eldridge will begin the season back in Triple-A.
“They’ve been really clean swings,” Vitello said. “Smooth. Nothing is being forced there, and yet that natural pop he’s got is definitely showing up.”
Vitello complimented Eldridge for the way he handled the decision regarding the Opening Day roster and said the top prospect could be back sooner than later. The Giants want Eldridge to play every day in Triple-A for now and get additional reps at first base. They also would like him to limit his strikeouts a bit, and Eldridge noted Monday night that his rate was high this spring.
“I can’t be mad about any decisions that were made because I quite honestly just wasn’t good enough,” he said of his spring. “That’s just how it is. I’m going to have to keep dealing with it and keep working hard and keep putting my head down and working. I know I have to be better, I know I have to limit the strikeouts, that’s all part of it for especially a young kid. They’re not going to stick a young kid up there who is going up there and striking out.
“It is what it is. I’m going to keep working hard and keep working on the approach and keep working on making contact. Going into our first (Triple-A game), I’m feeling really confident.”
Taking It All In
Vitello had not been at a game in San Francisco in more than two decades, and he said he’s excited to see what it looks like with a full house. The Giants drew just under 25,000 for the exhibition on Monday night.
Even with the place about half-full, Vitello said the noise was his biggest takeaway from his first night on the top step of the dugout at Oracle.
“There’s just times where you can’t relay messages or guys can’t hear each other,” he said. “And there will be moments where we’re on the road and it’ll be different. It’s a different level of noise, despite some of the crazy parks that I’ve been in in college.”
Roster Moves
The Giants went with a bullpen game Monday, giving several relievers one last chance to make an impression before the initial 26-man roster is set. Tristan Beck struck out a pair in a scoreless frame and Caleb Kilian continued his very strong spring with a scoreless inning. Carson Seymour had some impressive outings in Arizona but gave up four hits in the sixth inning Monday.
The staff still is discussing the makeup of the bullpen, as well as the backup outfielder mix. Luis Matos appears to be the player who is most on the bubble; he struggled late in the Cactus League season but also is out of options and the Giants are confident he would be claimed if they try to sneak him through waivers. Some scouts from other teams have been watching Matos over the past week and it’s possible the Giants could find a trade partner if they don’t intend for him to be on their initial roster.
With two off days over the first five days of the season, the front office could try and get creative, but Vitello said the schedule probably won’t impact the 26-man roster.
“It’s been talked about a bunch,” he said. “But if you’re asking me for a hard line answer, I don’t think it’s really going to play into anything.”
The Giants must set their roster by 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
Trainer’s Room
Harrison Bader went through a full pregame workout with trainer Dave Groeschner and didn’t have any issues with his tight left hamstring. Vitello said he’s confident the center fielder will be available for Wednesday night’s opener.
“He feels really good with where he’s at,” Vitello said.
On the pitching side, Hayden Birdsong will travel to Dallas on Tuesday for his Tommy John procedure, which will put him out for all of the 2026 season.
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