Sputtering SF Giants activate Matt Chapman, and not a moment too soon

WEST SACRAMENTO The Giants activated third baseman Matt Chapman off the injured list Saturday and as expected inserted him into the lineup right away as the cleanup hitter against the Athletics at Sutter Robustness Park Chapman might not be a savior for the sputtering Giants who entered Saturday one battle out of the National League s third and final wild-card spot But his play this season before he sprained his right hand last month and how the Giants have performed since suggested he would greatly benefit the unit s lineup I can t say enough good things about Chapman and just how bad he wants to be out on that field with his teammates Giants general manager Zack Minasian explained on KNBR earlier this week It s such a presence that he brings to the field every day It ll be a welcome addition Before Saturday the Giants were - with Chapman in the lineup as he was th among all big league third baseman in fielding percentage He also had a team-leading WAR rating But how the Giants played without Chapman perhaps spoke even more to his value Since Chapman s last tournament on June when he hurt his hand against the Atlanta Braves diving back to first base on a pickoff attempt the Giants before Saturday had gone - losing three-game sets to the below- Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins Friday starter Justin Verlander was roughed up and the Giants made three errors in an - loss to the Athletics to open the three-game series which concludes Sunday On June the Giants were - and tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the NL Wild Card race Before Saturday they were a competition behind the San Diego Padres for the third and final wild-card spot Notable In a corresponding move Saturday the Giants designated infielder Sergio Alc ntara for assignment In his Giants debut Friday Alc ntara went -for- with two strikeouts The Giants also recalled Tristan Beck from Triple-A and optioned fellow right-hander Mason Black to the River Cats Black pitched four innings Friday and allowed five hits including two homers and three earned runs