Giants’ Inexperienced Bench Struggles in Recent Game Against Cardinals

San Francisco, CA — The San Francisco Giants’ underwhelming bench, composed entirely of right-handed players, faced their first major test in a recent game against the St. Louis Cardinals, suffering a 7-2 defeat on April 17, 2025. This was a significant showcase for the bench, which had already come under fire for its lack of experience and production during the early season.

Manager Bob Melvin chose to start all four bench players: backup catcher Sam Huff, infielder Casey Schmitt, infielder Christian Koss, and outfielder Luis Matos. However, the quartet struggled immensely, combining for just one hit in 14 at-bats, along with one walk and seven strikeouts. The disappointing performance came during a game where starter Cristopher Sanchez notched a career-high 12 strikeouts, overshadowing their efforts.

Early in the 2025 season, the Giants’ bench has tallied a troubling 13 hits in 80 at-bats, including only one home run and three doubles. Their strikeout rate is concerning, with the group notching 25 strikeouts so far. Critics argue that this inexperienced lineup does not provide the depth necessary to support the starting players effectively, particularly on days when key players need rest.

“It’s great that the Giants split a tough four-game road series, but you can’t argue they fielded their best lineup,” said sports analyst Ben Gibbons. “This is an inexperienced group that raises questions about the overall depth of the roster.”

The Giants’ bench has been widely regarded as the most inexperienced in the division, with a total of only 1,098 plate appearances among the four players combined. In comparison, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ bench features players with over 13,000 collective plate appearances, showcasing a stark contrast in experience. The Giants’ current bench includes some promising talent, but the overall lack of major league experience is evident.

Matos and Schmitt, while showing flashes of promise, combine for just 849 plate appearances. Huff and Koss will need to prove themselves valuable contributors if the Giants hope to solidify their playoff aspirations as the season progresses. Schmitt, who has gained attention for his defensive skills, faces significant competition for playing time, being blocked by Matt Chapman at third base.

On the flip side, Sam Huff’s record includes a notable .258 batting average over 214 plate appearances. He has shown potential, especially given his strong performance in Spring Training. Christian Koss has also impressed at Triple-A level, boasting a .299 batting average before earning a spot on the roster.

The hope remains that players like Matos can develop into significant contributors. However, with the current struggles, doubts linger about their ceiling and ability to make an immediate impact. The organization faces tough decisions as younger players are evaluated against more seasoned opponents.

With injuries further complicating the bench’s performance, forward-looking discussions about roster changes and trades are likely to heat up as the Giants attempt to bolster their lineup. The early season has highlighted the importance of depth, particularly as postseason ambitions loom.

In the context of the larger narrative, questions about the overall managerial strategy and the effectiveness of executive decisions made by President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi come to the forefront. The Giants have invested substantially in the roster, yet the shortcomings of the current bench cast a shadow over future strategic plans.

As the season continues, the Giants’ bench performance will be critical to monitor; an inability to improve could prompt major changes down the line, keeping fans and analysts alike on alert.