Drew Gilbert was a top reason why Tony Vitello left Tennessee for San Francisco, but he’s not expected to be with Giants on opening day
The San Francisco Giants likely won’t have former Tennessee Vols outfielder Drew Gilbert on opening day.
Had the New York Mets not traded former Tennessee Vols outfielder Drew Gilbert to the San Francisco Giants last summer, Tony Vitello might still be coaching in Knoxville.
The Mets traded Gilbert, along with former Vols RHP Blade Tidwell, to the Giants at the trade deadline last season for relief pitcher Tyler Rogers (the Mets also sent relief pitcher Jose Butto to the Giants in the deal).
Gilbert, who was promoted to the big leagues after the trade, quickly made a big clubhouse impact on the Giants.
The Athletic’s Andrew Baggarly, who covers the Giants on a daily basis, suggested last fall that Vitello may not have left Tennessee for San Francisco if not for Gilbert.
“Honestly, what I knew was Drew Gilbert — and I don’t know if any of this happens without Drew Gilbert, I really don’t,” said Baggarly (via SFGate). “That is one of the questions I’d be really interested to ask Buster, if this does end up culminating in a press conference to introduce Tony Vitello as their next manager. How much did what Drew Gilbert did to the clubhouse, to the dugout, to enliven everything, bring some spirits and energy, how much did that sort of make you wake up and think, ‘You know, maybe that’s what this organization really needs. Maybe that’s what this clubhouse really needs.’”
Drew Gilbert is not expected to be with the Giants on opening day
Unfortunately for Vitello and the Giants, it looks like Gilbert won’t be with the team when they open the season later this month against the New York Yankees.
Gilbert is dealing with a shoulder impingement and he currently isn’t throwing. As a result, he’s unlikely to be ready for opening day.
“Gilbert has dealt with a shoulder impingement, and it’s unclear when he’ll begin throwing again, but he’s probably out of contention for the Opening Day squad,” noted Baggarly this week.
While Gilbert is unlikely to be with the Giants on opening day, he shouldn’t be out of action for long.
The former Vol was reportedly cleared over the weekend to DH in spring training games.
There’s still 15 days to go until opening day, so it’s still possible that Gilbert could progress enough to join the Giants for the start of the regular season. But it’s a long season and there’s really no reason to rush the 25-year-old outfielder.
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