SF Giants add right-handed reliever Ramos, infielder Kennedy to roster

MILWAUKEE — The Giants added two fresh faces to their roster ahead of their four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers, selecting right-hander Wilkin Ramos and infielder Buddy Kennedy from Triple-A Sacramento.

Catcher Jesús Rodríguez was optioned to Sacramento following Sunday’s 19-6 win, while right-hander Joel Peguero was placed on the 60-day injured list with a left hamstring strain. Catcher Logan Porter was designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.

“Front office guys make the final move, but sometimes … (players) take matters into their own hands, and you can’t deny what he’s done,” manager Tony Vitello said of Ramos. “Prior to that, too, there was a lot to get excited about.

“You guys know how much (pitcher fielding practice) we did in spring training. He was electric at that. We kept calling him Randy Moss on some of those plays, and you saw the potential was there. And definitely, the attitude and the approach was there too. So excited for him.”

Ramos, 25, has never pitched a game in the majors, appearing in 205 games across eight minor league seasons before earning his first call-up.

The right-hander signed a minor-league contract with the Giants in the offseason and pitched well for Sacramento, posting a 2.00 ERA (3.99 FIP) over 27 innings with 27 strikeouts. Ramos originally signed with the Oakland A’s out of the Dominican Republic for $300,000 and spent time in the farm systems of the A’s (2018), Pittsburgh Pirates (2019-22, 2025) and New York Mets (2023-24).

Ramos said he learned of his promotion on Sunday after the River Cats arrived in Sacramento from Reno. He recalled that his bag was the only one on the team bus while the rest of the bags remained in Reno. When he asked River Cats manager Dave Brundage, Brundage replied, “Well, maybe the only reason we brought it is because maybe you’re being called up to the major leagues.”

“It’s a great feeling, unique feeling,” Ramos said through team interpreter Erwin Higueros. “I just want to first of all thank God for this opportunity and the organization for believing and trusting me.”

“It’s pretty good velocity from a different slot,” said general manager Zack Minasian. “I think he prides himself on being aggressive, kind of wants some pressure situations.”

Rodríguez, 24, initially received regular playing time upon being promoted to the majors on May 4 but has only played sparingly since rookie catcher Daniel Susac was reinstated from the injured list on May 15.

Since Susac’s return, Rodríguez had only played in seven of the Giants’ last 15 games. Of those seven games, Rodríguez only started twice at catcher. With veteran Eric Haase also in the catching rotation, there weren’t many avenues for Rodríguez to receive consistent reps behind the plate.

“To play (catcher), you’ve got to consistently do it,” Vitello said. “Haase has kind of forced the issue where his experience really helps, and he’s been able to do some things offensively. Then, Susac has been a rock for us as well.

“I’m not into trying to predict the future, but he’ll be back up with us sometime. I think I’m on par with what the front office thinks about his future and what type of career he’s going to have. So, the best stepping stone in his career right now is for him to catch a bunch and then find fine lanes to try and improve that other stuff too.”

Peguero, 29, originally sustained a left hamstring strain during spring training that took him out of the running for the Opening Day roster. The right-handed flamethrower made 10 appearances with Triple-A Sacramento before being reinstated from the injured list May 5, then posted a 2.38 ERA over 11 1/3 innings before again aggravating his left hamstring on Sunday.

“Re-occuring is a proper phrase, and I think is something he needs to get past,” Vitello said. “As long as his lower half is right, everybody knows what he’s capable of doing with his arm or his upper half.”

Kennedy, 27, has played 67 games in the majors over parts of four seasons. Over 181 plate appearances, Kennedy has a career .178/.271/.274 slash lines with two home runs and 20 RBIs. Kennedy, who signed a minor league deal with the Giants this offseason, has primarily played third base during his professional career but also has a good amount of experience at first and second base.

Giants close to adding new third base coach

The Giants are reportedly hiring former major league player and coach Gary Pettis to be the team’s new full-time third-base coach, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Neither Minasian or Vitello confirmed that the hiring had been finalized on Monday, but Vitello said that the team is “definitely closer.” Ron Wotus has been serving as the team’s interim third-base coach since Friday after the team re-assigned Hector Borg.

“There’s been twists and turns to it, so getting to a finish line probably makes the most sense to feel good bout something,” Vitello said. “It’s been tardy to this party, not because of that, but there’s a lot of stuff going on.”

Worth noting

Outfielder Harrison Bader (left plantar fasciitis) is in a walking boot. He’s scheduled to get a second opinion later this week.
Right-hander Tyler Mahle (left hamstring strain) began his throwing progression on Monday. He’ll return to the mound later this week.
Heliot Ramos (right quad strain) is rehabbing in Arizona. He started his hitting progression on Monday.