NL West: Giants keep playing left field roulette, call up Austin Slater

With the San Francisco Giants having stumbled to a 22-33 record through the first two months of the 2017 campaign, they’re currently at a crossroads between trying to salvage the season and giving big-league exposure to some of their younger players. They’re hoping to get the best of both worlds with their latest decision, as they’re set to purchase the contract of outfielder Austin Slater from Triple-A Sacramento on Friday, and he’s expected to get an audition as their starting left fielder.

Slater is arguably the best contact hitter in the Giants’ system, and he’s hit .322/.381/.460 with four homers in 196 Triple-A plate appearances this year. Assuming that Slater gets the start in left on Friday night in Philadelphia, he’ll be the 10th player to start at that position for the Giants in 2017, joining Eduardo Núñez, Chris Marrero, Brandon Belt, Jarrett Parker, Justin Ruggiano, Gorkys Hernandez, Aaron Hill, Mac Williamson, and Orlando Calixte.

Here’s what else is going on in the National League West:

• Despite Zack Godley’s excellent performance as a replacement for Shelby Miller, the Diamondbacks have optioned him to Triple-A and recalled Silvino Bracho in his place.
• The Rockies have promoted hot-hitting infield prospect Ryan McMahon to Triple-A.
• Alex Wood had a Kershaw-like month of May, and he could end up being a “1A” in the Dodgers’ rotation once he returns from the disabled list.
• The Padres’ attendance is down 10 percent from where it was at this point last year.
• It’s safe to say the Rockies are serious playoff contenders, and it’s time for them to start examining the potential upgrades they can make at the trade deadline.
• Is Robbie Ray capable of pitching effectively at Chase Field?
• It’s worth wondering whether the Giants should make hitting coach Hensley Meulens a scapegoat for their offensive struggles.
• Here’s an update on the Rockies’ top prospects.
• Could Orlando Calixte be the super utility player the Giants have been trying to find for years?
• The Dodgers are on pace for 99 wins through the first third of the season.
• Is Bud Black getting enough credit for the success of the Rockies’ pitching staff this season?