SF Giants’ Chapman to play rehab game, could return this weekend

PHOENIX By weekend s end third baseman Matt Chapman could ultimately be back from the injured list Chapman who hasn t played since June checked off another box in his return from right hand inflammation by taking batting practice at Chase Field prior to the Giants series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks The five-time Gold Glover began his batting practice session by hitting pitches thrown by assistant hitting coach Damon Minor sending several offerings over Chase Field s tall center-field fence Chapman then progressed to taking swings against a pitching machine with the velocity turned up We tuned up the machine to pretty good velocity announced manager Bob Melvin disclosed of Chapman who has a team-high OPS He didn t feel anything Felt great He s frustrated with his swing right now but that s the way it goes with him He ended his session mad that s a good thing As he walked off the field Chapman stated reporters that he plans to play a rehab event with Triple-A Sacramento on Friday as the Giants begin their three-game series against the Athletics at Sutter Strength Park in West Sacramento The River Cats are in the present playing in Reno which is roughly a two-hour drive from West Sacramento Chapman who injured multiple fingers when sliding back to first base revealed he hopes to return this weekend against his former group If Chapman does not return against the Athletics he could be back on Monday as San Francisco begins its three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies Related Articles SF Giants Doval blows save in ninth secures win in th to snap losing streak Flores Devers Wisely How SF Giants can buy time until Chapman Schmitt return How Marika Lyszczyk achieved her pro baseball dream with the Dublin Leprechauns SF Giants drop fourth straight event after taking early lead over Diamondbacks Despite contemporary slide SF Giants pick up Melvin s contract option for Related Articles SF Giants Doval blows save in ninth secures win in th to snap losing streak Flores Devers Wisely How SF Giants can buy time until Chapman Schmitt return How Marika Lyszczyk achieved her pro baseball dream with the Dublin Leprechauns SF Giants drop fourth straight battle after taking early lead over Diamondbacks Despite latest slide SF Giants pick up Melvin s contract option for Along with Chapman infielder Casey Schmitt is likely to return when he is first eligible on Monday after receiving a cortisone shot earlier this week Schmitt had been filling in for Chapman at third base until he was plunked by a pitch and diagnosed with left hand inflammation With Chapman back at third base Schmitt should slide over to the infield s right side and become the unit s starting second baseman In games as Chapman s replacement Schmitt had a slash line of with four home runs and RBIs Johnson optioned Alc ntara recalled Prior to Thursday s challenge the Giants optioned outfielder Daniel Johnson to Triple-A and selected infielder Sergio Alc ntara from Sacramento Catcher Logan Porter was designated for assignment Infielder Tyler Fitzgerald who was recalled earlier this week has been dealing with a back ailment and Melvin announced the Giants feel that they re short an infielder right now Despite the bad back Fitzgerald started for the Giants at second base on Thursday We have Wilmer Flores out at third base one day Melvin stated It just feels like we re maybe an infielder short right now Alc ntara has played parts of three major-league seasons with the Detroit Tigers Chicago Cubs Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres He has a career OPS with homers over games and has played at least innings at second base third base and shortstop in the majors