SF Giants’ lineup reinforcements arrive: Thairo Estrada activated from injured list

The Giants went 15-11 during Estrada's monthlong absence but averaged only 3.3 runs per game.

SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants’ biggest midseason upgrade arrived Saturday: Thairo Estrada was activated from a monthlong stint on the injured list.

The Giants, in desperate need of a jolt to their lineup, added Estrada to the roster Saturday before the start of their two-game Bay Bridge series in Oakland. Left-handed-hitting infielder Isan Díaz was optioned back to Triple-A Sacramento.

Since Estrada fractured his hand on an errant pitch on July 2, the Giants went 15-11. But they averaged only 3.3 runs per game.

Estrada, worth 2.6 Wins Above Replacement, was the Giants’ most valuable position players when he hit the IL. His 18 stolen bases still pace the team, while his .761 OPS this season would be better than any regular but Wilmer Flores over the past month.

In three rehab games at Triple-A Sacramento, Estrada went 1-for-11, most recently playing seven innings at second base Friday.

Manager Gabe Kapler didn’t hesitate to place Estrada back at the top of the lineup. He was batting second, playing second base.

Absent any major acquisitions at the trade deadline, the Giants are counting on the returns of Estrada, Mitch Haniger and Mike Yastrzemski to provide the boost needed by a lineup that has scored the fewest runs in the majors since the start of July. Yastrzemski (hamstring) is eligible to return Thursday, while Haniger (fractured forearm) hopes to be back by the end of the month.

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