Kapler recalls difficult conversation with González after demotion

Share

Sending a player back down to the minor leagues is never easy. It's even more difficult when he's one of the hottest hitters on the team. 

When the Giants activated second baseman Tommy La Stella from the injured list on Sunday, Luis González was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento as the corresponding move. 

The 26-year-old former Chicago White Sox prospect was hitting .349/.397/.492 with two home runs and 15 RBI in 21 games for the Giants this season. He was one of San Francisco's best hitters and yet he still wasn't safe from the difficult roster crunch. 

Shortly after the demotion, Giants manager Gabe Kapler said the conversation with González was one of the more difficult ones he's ever had. On Tuesday, Kapler joined KNBR 680's "Tolbert & Copes," where he discussed what impressed him about how the young outfielder handled the difficult conversation. 

"It was honest both ways and I thought the honesty that Luis showed in the conversation was really impressive," Kapler said. "Instead of saying 'no, I get it' and 'no problem, I'm going to go down to Triple-A and work my ass off and get back here as soon as possible,' he expressed disappointment and he told me that he did know how well he was playing and he did know how many contributions he was making to our roster.

"And he was able to blend that with a really good understanding about how roster management works and how challenging it is to be a young, optionable player when nobody else on the roster is in the same position. So it was cool, it was a nice blend of 'yeah I get it' and 'I'm also really disappointed and I wish this wasn't happening.'"

RELATED: Giants hitting coach Viele's meteoric rise continues to pay off

González wasn't the only Giants player moved this week, as Mauricio Dubón was traded to the Houston Astros on Saturday. 

It's a difficult business and unfortunately for González, his one remaining minor league option was the sole reason for his demotion. If one thing is for certain, though, it's that it won't be long before he's back in the orange and black this season. 

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

Contact Us