Patrick Bailey no longer Giants’ everyday catcher amid slump

SAN FRANCISCO — Patrick Bailey was back behind the plate Wednesday, but making his first start in four games, it’s clear there’s nothing status quo about the Giants’ catching situation.

“It’s not a rule to have an everyday catcher,” manager Tony Vitello said.

And for the first time in some time, it appears the Giants do not.

Since being called up in May 2023, Bailey has appeared in 381 of a possible 478 games. Only four other catchers in the majors have logged more innings in the squat. 

He’s been held out of the lineup lately in favor of newly called-up Jesus Rodriguez and backup Eric Haase as the Giants search for an offensive spark. Before Rule 5 pick Andrew Susac landed on the injured list, Bailey had begun to cede playing time to him, too.

The three share something in common: They’re all bringing more to the table offensively than Bailey at the moment for a club starved of runs. Susac, Haase and Rodriguez have combined for 1.187 OPS in 36 plate appearances as a catcher; Bailey’s was down to .396 after Wednesday’s game.

“Everything’s pretty much day to day for us,” Vitello said in terms of who starts behind the plate.

A two-time Gold Glove winner and one of the top pitch-framers in the game, Bailey’s defense and durability made him a valuable asset — the third-best catcher in the league, according to fWAR. But, for the first time, it hasn’t been enough to outweigh his shortcomings at the plate.

Bailey’s .411 OPS entering Wednesday was the fourth lowest of any player with at least 80 plate appearances. Over his career, the switch-hitter had been about 22% below league average at the plate, according to OPS+; this year, he has been 80% worse than average.

The offensive woes have been the worst of Bailey’s career. They have also been harder to mask in a lineup that hasn’t produced around him. It’s easier to carry a soft-hitting catcher at the bottom of the order when the middle of the lineup is carrying its share of the load.

The Giants are desperate for offense anywhere they can get it. They’re at the bottom of the league in runs scored (115), home runs (23), on-base percentage (.282), walks (72) and stolen bases (10).

“I think the more we feel like we’re getting a good presence and good swings and quality at-bats out of … really anybody at this point, the door is open to help us and find a spot on the field,” Vitello said.

Rodriguez has hit .300 at every level he’s played professionally and made a strong first impression, going the opposite way twice Tuesday night to collect his first major-league hit — an RBI single — and later a solo shot to right for his first career home run.

“I put almost as much value on the flare hit [as the home run],” Vitello said. “Because he’s just in a good position to hit. He’s ready early. He’s looking to do damage. And when he gets to the baseball, he’s consistently been in a good position. … I’ve liked his outs as much as I liked the home run because we kind of already know he can do that.”

With Bailey back behind the plate for the matinee Wednesday, Vitello penciled Rodriguez into right field, where he got a quick introduction to some of the toughest real estate to cover in the majors. Rodriguez mostly played left in the minors, but Vitello didn’t want Heliot Ramos playing out of position.

Rodriguez has also spent time at second base. Haase can handle the outfield in a pinch, too.

The versatility could allow the Giants to continue to carry three catchers when Susac is healthy. He is set to begin a rehab assignment this weekend. How they would split up the duties remains to be determined.

Bailey struck out twice in three at-bats Wednesday. During his three-game sabbatical, the Giants’ catchers combined to go 3-for-10 with a couple extra-base hits. Behind the scenes, Vitello said Bailey “worked on everything” and “made all the right choices.” Time will tell if results follow.

“He had a good bounce to him the last couple days,” Vitello said. “He wants to be out there.”

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: nypost.com