Giants Recall Outfielders Gilbert and Brennan to Bolster Lineup

Roster moves come after injuries to Oliva and Bader leave holes in the Giants' outfield

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:40am by

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game or match, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Giants' roster moves aim to inject new energy and offensive production into their lineup during a critical early-season stretch.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco Giants have recalled outfielders Drew Gilbert and Will Brennan from their Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento to help fill the void left by injuries to Jared Oliva and Harrison Bader. Brennan, a solid contact hitter, and Gilbert, a left-handed bat with limited power, will look to provide a boost to the Giants' struggling offense.

Why it matters

The Giants have had trouble scoring runs this season, ranking 29th in MLB in runs scored. The call-ups of Gilbert and Brennan give the team some fresh offensive options as they try to stay competitive in the NL West.

The details

Oliva is currently on the Injured List with a wrist fracture, while Bader is dealing with a hamstring strain. Brennan was hitting .392 at Triple-A Sacramento when he got the call, while Gilbert has shown flashes of potential in limited MLB action last season. Both players are left-handed hitters who will look to provide a spark to the Giants' lineup.

  • On April 15, 2026, the Giants placed Oliva and Bader on the Injured List.
  • On April 16, 2026, the Giants recalled Gilbert and Brennan from Triple-A Sacramento.

The players

Drew Gilbert

A 25-year-old outfielder who has shown some promise at the Triple-A level, hitting .289 with 3 home runs in 45 at-bats to start the 2026 season.

Will Brennan

A 28-year-old outfielder who signed a major league deal with the Giants during spring training. He was hitting .392 at Triple-A Sacramento when he received the call-up to the big club.

Jared Oliva

Giants outfielder who is currently on the Injured List with a wrist fracture.

Harrison Bader

Giants outfielder who is dealing with a hamstring strain and is expected to return on April 22nd.

Tony Vitello

San Francisco Giants manager.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In spring training, he showed he could hit with anybody. Then he went out with (Sacramento), and those guys have a good group. … If I'm not mistaken, he hit better than anybody.”

— Tony Vitello, San Francisco Giants manager

“With those guys in particular, it could've helped last night having some left-handed bats to go to, whether it be in a pinch-hitting situation or when guys have splits that lean on a little bit more one side or the other. I think it can be a boost, for sure.”

— Tony Vitello, San Francisco Giants manager

What’s next

Bader is expected to return to the Giants' lineup on April 22nd, at which point the team will have to make a roster decision on whether to keep Gilbert or Brennan on the active roster.

The takeaway

The call-ups of Gilbert and Brennan provide the Giants with some much-needed offensive depth as they try to overcome early-season injuries and improve their struggling offense. Their performance over the next week or two could determine who stays on the roster once Bader returns.