Tony Vitello offered a revealing look into his team’s evolving approach, touching on lineup flexibility, player rest, and a renewed emphasis on plate discipline during his media availability earlier on Sunday.
One of the more notable decisions involved giving Willy Adames a day off, something the San Francisco Giants' manager framed as both preventative and strategic.
“It’s a grind being out there every day,” he said. “In order for us to be the best team down the stretch… we’ve got to balance out a little bit of that workload.”
He pointed to past examples where a brief reset helped spark improved performance, suggesting the move wasn’t just about the present, but the long-term outlook.
Vitello acknowledged that Adames is naturally resistant to sitting.
“He doesn’t like taking a day off… his goal is always to play 162,” Vitello said. “But when you play with that kind of energy, sometimes it benefits you not to fight through everything.”
He added that similar strategies, like using the designated hitter spot, could be an option moving forward to keep Adames fresh without fully removing his bat from the lineup.
Offensively, the team appears to be making subtle adjustments. Vitello noted an uptick in walks and more selective at-bats, something that has come from internal conversations among players.
“It’s not about going up there trying to walk,” he explained. “But it’s hard to get your best swing off on a pitch that’s not in the zone.”
That mindset has started to translate into better on-base opportunities, even if it doesn’t always show up in traditional metrics like batting average.
“I’ve always focused more on getting on base,” Vitello added. “Other than a home run, you’ve got to find a way to touch home plate, and that starts with getting there however you can.”
Vitello also addressed individual performances, maintaining confidence Rafael Devers working through struggles.
“It’s not a lack of confidence — it’s frustration,” he said. “Sometimes it just takes one small adjustment or one moment to get things rolling again.”
Ultimately, Vitello emphasized adaptability, whether in lineup construction or offensive philosophy, as the team continues to find its rhythm. “We’ll just do our best to win today’s game,” he said, “and then figure out the next step from there.”
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!