SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants made another significant round of cuts ahead of Opening Night on Wednesday against the New York Yankees, optioning four right-handers (Trevor McDonald, Carson Seymour, Spencer Bivens, Tristan Beck) and two outfielders (Will Brennan, Drew Gilbert) to Triple-A Sacramento.
San Francisco now has 32 players remaining in camp (four of them being non-roster invitees), but right-hander Joel Peguero and left-handers Sam Hentges and Reiver Sanmartin will not be ready for the start of the season.
One major decision that still looms is whether outfielder Luis Matos will make the Opening Day roster. Matos is out of options, meaning the Giants would have to designate him for assignment if he doesn’t make the team. Given his youth and potential upside, Matos likely wouldn’t make it through waivers.
If Matos doesn’t make the Opening Day roster, that opens the door for 30-year-old Jared Oliva, a non-roster invitee, to secure a spot. Oliva hasn’t played in the majors since 2021 but was one of the most impressive Giants during Cactus League play, swiping 14 bases on 15 attempts.
Following this latest round of cuts, the Giants now have nine relievers remaining in camp with eight bullpen spots available: Ryan Borucki, JT Brubaker, José Buttó, Michael Fulmer (NRI), Matt Gage, Caleb Killian (NRI), Erik Miller, Ryan Walker and Keaton Winn.
McDonald, 25, opened up Cactus League play with three straight scoreless outings, but allowed nine runs over 5 2/3 innings in his last three appearances. Bivens, 31, made last year’s Opening Day roster and spent all of last season with San Francisco, posting a 4.00 ERA and 3.70 FIP over 81 innings.
Worth noting
Outfielder Harrison Bader started in center field against Sultanes de Monterrey after missing a week due to a hamstring ailment. He is expected to be in the lineup against the New York Yankees on Wednesday for Opening Night.