SAN FRANCISCO – Following an impressive run that earned him the National League’s Player of the Week title, Luis Matos is being sent back to Triple-A less than three weeks later.
The Giants made the decision to option Matos on Wednesday morning to make room for Austin Slater, who returned from the concussion IL. Slater, after his return, immediately joined the lineup as the center fielder against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Matos’ recent performance plummeted after his standout weekend where he was recognized as NL Player of the Week. Despite his early success, his batting average dropped to .153 with no extra-base hits in the following games.
Giants coaches have been working with Matos to improve his approach at the plate, emphasizing the importance of being more selective and swinging at strikes. Manager Bob Melvin highlighted the need for Matos to find a balance between aggressiveness and patience to succeed in the big leagues.
With Matos heading to Triple-A, the Giants will rely on Slater and Mike Yastrzemski to share responsibilities in center field. Slater, who struggled before his injury, has a strong track record against left-handed pitchers, making him a valuable asset to the struggling lineup.
The team is hopeful that Matos, at only 22 years old, will benefit from consistent playing time in Triple-A to rediscover his form. In the meantime, the Giants will explore different options to fill the gap in center field left by Matos’ departure.
As the Giants navigate through lineup adjustments, they remain focused on finding the right balance to reignite their offense and overcome recent challenges. The team’s ability to adapt and make strategic decisions will be crucial as they face upcoming competitions.