For Schmitt, there will likely be some pressure to perform. Christian Koss has handled the role of backup middle infielder very well, which means Schmitt is the most likely candidate to head back to Sacramento when Jerar Encarnación is healthy (Encarnación, who recently had his rehab paused, is eligible to come off the 60-Day IL in a week).

Schmitt (oblique) started at first base and went 1-for-2 with a double and a walk in Monday's 3-1 loss to the Royals. Schmitt was activated from the 10-day injured list Monday after missing the past month due to a Grade 2 left oblique strain.

If Villar isn’t claimed on waivers or traded within seven days, he said will likely exercise his right to become a free agent.

The Royals managed just two runs on seven hits and a defensive miscue cost them in a 3-2 loss to the Giants on Tuesday night. The Royals managed to strike first with a run in the third inning off Giants pitcher Hayden Birdsong,

SF Giants infielder David Villar has experienced a range of emotions in the last few months. He has just been designated for assignment by the Giants again whic

As the San Francisco Giants get set for a series at home against the Kansas City Royals, they have made a couple of roster moves.

San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin said that Justin Verlander was dealing with a little bit of a pectoral muscle issue during his start Sunday, but — like Verlander — he’s optimistic Verlander will make his next start.

The Giants have reinstated infielder Casey Schmitt from the 10-day injured list. As a corresponding move, fellow infielder David Villar has been designated for assignment. The club’s 40-man roster count drops from 39 to 38. Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area was among those to pass along the transaction.

PITCHING PROBABLES: Athletics: Jeffrey Springs (5-3, 4.27 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 36 strikeouts); Giants: Justin Verlander (0-3, 4.50 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 40 strikeouts)