Giants manager Bob Melvin told reporters that top prospect Bryce Eldridge will be the designated hitter in lineups against right-handed pitchers.
“We just lost a lefty in Dom [Smith], and I think this was always kind of in the back of their minds, the front office minds, if there was a need for him, potentially this would happen,” Melvin explained, “He’s got some power … can hit some homers here [at Chase Field] too.”
Eldridge, who was selected from Triple-A Monday, made his MLB debut as the Giants’ designated hitter in the lineup’s fifth spot Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“I’ll be DH-ing against the righty starters for the foreseeable future, and I’m going to go in and make the most of it,” Eldridge told reporters before Monday’s game. “I’m feeling good, I’m feeling confident. Everything’s in a good spot right now, and I’m ready to go.”
The left-handed hitting prospect was riding a seven-game hitting streak when he got the call to join the team in Phoenix against the Diamondbacks. In 66 games played with Triple-A Sacramento this season, Eldridge hit .249 with 18 home runs and 63 RBI.
“All the reports are that he’s swinging the bat really well right now, and we’re looking to increase in production,” Melvin said.
Eldridge’s slugging success has earned himself a spot in the lineup against right-handed pitching. Across all minor league levels this season, he has hit 21 home runs with a .848 OPS against right-handed pitchers.
Although the 20-year-old prospect mainly will be used as a designated hitter for the foreseeable future, Eldridge is very confident in his fielding ability at first base as well.
“I think I could go out and play above-average first base in the big leagues, that’s just how I feel,” Eldridge asserted. “I’ve just been working my tail off to get better every day and I think any of the coaches who I’ve been with this year would tell you that, is that I’ve played a good first [base] over there.”
Melvin maintains that Eldridge will be used as a designated hitter but also wants to evaluate the prospect at the corner infield position.
“My message to him is go up there and hit. Right now, it’s going to be DH, we’ll see where it goes.” Melvin detailed. “I want him to continue to play first base, take ground balls at first base, we’ll see where that goes.”
Rafael Devers started at first base Monday in the first game of the series against the Diamondbacks, his 22nd game started at the position this season.
Eldridge will be the youngest player to make his Giants debut since Madison Bumgarner in 2010. He is the Giants’ youngest position player since Jeff Ransom in 1981.
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