San Francisco Giants Bring Up 21-Year-Old Hitting Machine Christian Arroyo

On a busy day, the San Francisco Giants are bringing up their best hitting prospect, Christian Arroyo, as well as outfielder Drew Stubbs.

After a 6-13 start to the season, the San Francisco Giants needed something of a shake-up. They needed an injection of life to a team that was floundering, and looked like they weren’t having much fun. On Monday, they tried to do just that.

In a flurry of news before Monday’s series opener against the archrival Los Angeles Doddgers, the news that stood out most was the call-up of Christian Arroyo. The 2013 first-round pick has developed into the team’s best hitting prospect, and forced his way onto the big league club. After a down year in 2016 with the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels, Arroyo took to Triple-A with the Sacramento River Cats like a fish to water.

In his first 16 games at the minor league’s highest level, Arroyo put together a ridiculous .446 average (29 hits in 65 at-bats) with seven doubles and three home runs. His OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) was an incredible 1.171, and he capped off his first Triple-A stint on Sunday with a four-hit game, his fourth game of at least three hits. He had at least one hit in 15 of his 16 games. His last hit was the most impressive, a walk-off, run-scoring single in the 10th inning.

More from Golden Gate Sports

The Giants wasted no time putting the 21-year-old Arroyo in the starting lineup. He will bat sixth against Dodgers’ starter Hyun-Jin Ryu while playing third base, becoming the first 21-year-old player to start for the Giants since catcher Hector Sanchez back in 2011.

Though Arroyo was the spotlight stealer, his call-up wasn’t the only move of the day. Veteran outfielder Drew Stubbs was also called up from Triple-A. Stubbs, a 32-year-old that has played all three outfield spots regularly, will be taking part in his ninth major league season with his seventh big league club.

The right-handed hitting Stubbs has had success against lefties in the majors, owning a .272/.348/.444 slash-line with 33 home runs in 952 plate appearances. After signing a minor league deal earlier this month, Stubbs has been playing with the River Cats. He owns a .256/.348/.436 slash-line in 10 games, and has hit a home run in each of his last two games, including a leadoff home run on Sunday.

Also like Arroyo, Stubbs will have little downtime before making his Giants’ debut. He will play center field against the Dodgers, and hit eighth.

To make room for these two players, neither of whom were on the 40-man roster, the Giants designated Chris Marrero for assignment and put Aaron Hill on the disabled list with a strained forearm. There was already an open spot on the 40-man roster, and Marrero’s designation creates the second opening.

Marrero made the club because of an incredible Spring Training, but was never able to replicate that success. He did hit his first career major league home run in his 12th professional season on April14th, and was able to get the ball back after the game. But his .132/.171/.211 output just wasn’t cutting it. Marrero congratulated Arroyo on the call-up on Monday, and said he would like to go to Sacramento.

Next: Giants 3 Up, 3 Down: Welcome to Coors

Gorkys Hernandez survived the day of cuts, thanks in most part to Denard Span‘s injury. With Span out for at least a couple days and quite possibly longer, Hernandez is needed as the backup center fielder. Stubbs himself has an extensive injury history, so having a true center fielder in case of emergency is a must. For now, Hernandez’s presence is a necessity.

Welcome to the big leagues, Christian Arroyo. Let’s make it count. And welcome back to the big leagues, Drew Stubbs. Let’s make it count as well.

Home/San Francisco Giants