AUGUST 1, 2021•MLB.COM
KB 3rd former Cub to HR in post-trade debutKris Bryant's third-inning homer in his Giants debut on Sunday not only sparked a lead-changing rally against the Astros, it made history. B...
Ralph Garza Jr. - Designated for assignmentGarza was designated for assignment by the Astros on Sunday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ImpactThe right-hander was sent to Triple-A Sugar Land just before the All-Star break, and his removal from the 40-man roster is expected to clear room for Josh James (hamstring), who could return from the 60-day IL soon. Garza recorded a 4.09 ERA and 1.64 WHIP in 11 innings across nine major-league appearances this year.
AUGUST 1, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Michael Brantley - Leaves with ankle injuryBrantley was removed from Sunday's game against the Giants with right ankle discomfort, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ImpactBrantley went 1-for-2 with a run before being replaced in the left field to open the bottom of the third inning. The severity of the injury remains unclear, but the 34-year-old will have Monday's scheduled off day to aid in his recovery before potentially missing additional time.
AUGUST 1, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Bryan Abreu - Back with big clubThe Astros recalled Abreu from Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.
ImpactHouston optioned Abreu to the minors Saturday, but he never reported back to Sugar Land and stuck around with the Astros on their West Coast road trip in case an extra reliever was needed. He'll be eligible to rejoin the Astros just one day later after closer Ryan Pressly was placed on the paternity list Sunday. Expect Abreu to work mostly in low-leverage spots out of the bullpen while he's on the 26-man active roster.
AUGUST 1, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Ryan Pressly - Heads to paternity listThe Astros placed Pressly on the paternity list prior to Sunday's game against the Giants, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.
ImpactAccording to delos Santos, manager Dusty Baker said he doesn't have a timeline for when Pressly will rejoin the team after the All-Star closer and his wife recently welcomed a baby boy into the world. Players placed on the paternity leave list are eligible to remain away from the team for 1-to-3 days, so if Pressly isn't ready to rejoin the Astros ahead of the two-game set with the Dodgers that begins Tuesday, Houston could move him to the restricted list. Kendall Graveman will likely be the team's top option for the ninth inning if a save chance is available for Sunday's series finale in San Francisco.
AUGUST 1, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Thairo Estrada - Sits in second straightEstrada is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros, Amy Gutierrez of the Giants' official site reports.
ImpactEstrada worked as the Giants' primary shortstop for most of the second half of July, but he lost hold of that job after Brandon Crawford returned from the injured list Thursday. Thanks to his defensive versatility, Estrada picked up starts in left field Friday and Saturday, but he'll be relegated to a bench role for the second game in a row to close out the series. The return of Crawford along with the trade-deadline acquisition of Kris Bryant will likely force Estrada to settle for utility duties moving forward, even though he slashed an impressive .348/.419/.515 with three home runs and a stolen base in July.
AUGUST 1, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Jason Vosler - Demoted to Triple-AThe Giants optioned Vosler to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday.
ImpactVosler was dropped from the 26-man roster to make room for the newly acquired Kris Bryant, who was activated ahead of his team debut Sunday against the Astros. During his latest stint with the big club, Vosler appeared in nine games and went 1-for-14 with a base hit and seven strikeouts.
AUGUST 1, 2021•ROTOWIRE
