Bader, signed to a 2-year, $20.5 million contract this offseason to bolster the Giants’ outfield defense, is coming off a strong 2025 campaign but has struggled early this season. Through 15 games with San Francisco, he’s hitting .115/.145/.192 with six hits in 52 at-bats, contributing a negative WAR while dealing with the hamstring issue since spring training.
Oliva, who has spent most of his professional career in the minors, joined the big league club for Opening Day after impressing in spring training. He appeared in seven games for the Giants, recording one hit in seven at-bats before going on the injured list with a left wrist hamate fracture.
The recalled outfielders represent a left-handed pair who could help bridge the gap in Bader’s and Oliva’s absence. Brennan and Gilbert were both in the mix to platoon with Bader if he continued to struggle, and the Giants had noted a lack of left-handed hitters on the bench at the outset of the season.
Gilbert, acquired from the Mets last season, is back with the Giants after a brief stint as a corner outfielder last year and a 2026 start at Sacramento that sits at .289 with a .789 OPS. Brennan, a 28-year-old right-hander with Cleveland, brings left-handed depth and a .392/.938 line in Sacramento, aiming to help the Giants in multiple outfield spots.
In today’s lineup, Gilbert starts in center field and Brennan handles left field, as San Francisco inventories depth while Bader and Oliva rehabilitate. The Giants will monitor the pair’s progression and plan further decisions as the injured list moves unfold.
