Will

Brennan

We’re seeing close to a full lineup from the Giants in this one, with the only regular not here being Heliot Ramos who batted third in Saturday’s contest. It looks like new skipper Tony Vitello is content letting Arraez bat atop the lineup while Matt Chapman’s inclusion in the second spot is mildly intriguing. Just something to keep an eye on. Here’s the full lineup for Sunday: Luis Arraez (2B), Matt Chapman (3B), Willy Adames (SS), Rafael Devers (1B), Patrick Bailey (C), Jung Hoo Lee (RF), Bryce Eldridge (DH), Will Brennan (LF) and Harrison Bader (CF).

No word yet on the financial terms of the contract. Brennan, 28, underwent surgery back in May to repair a torn UCL but is fully recovered and ready to go for spring training. Barring a disastrous showing in Cactus League play, he should crack the Giants’ Opening Day roster.

All three players now free agents. Brennan underwent surgery to repair the UCL in his left elbow back in May, but should be ready to go early in the 2026 season. Both Hentges and Enright will likely see non-roster interest to help needy bullpens.

Recovery timelines for position players are much shorter than pitchers when it comes to UCL surgeries, but it’ll be challenging for Brennan to make it back to Cleveland’s outfield mix before the end of the season. The 27-year-old hit the shelf back in late May with left forearm inflammation and ultimately wound up requiring surgery.

Brennan will be out for at least a week while recovering from his inflammation. The 27-year-old is replaced on the roster by Lane Thomas, as Thomas is back after missing a month with his wrist bruise. Brennan can safely be dropped in fantasy leagues, but that was true before the injury, as well.

Brennan has gone 0-for-8 while starting three of four games since his callup Monday. While not a massive liability, Brennan is up to 862 big-league plate appearances during which he has shown very little in the way of upside. He’s sporting a career line of .267/.306/.373, giving him a 90 OPS+, and he’s average at best defensively in right.

Brennan is making a second straight start since his callup. The Guardians will be getting Lane Thomas back from the IL either this weekend or early next week, at which point either Brennan or Jhonkensy Noel figures to be demoted. Jones is probably safe himself, since he’s out of options, but he’d be in line to lose much of his playing time if Brennan sticks.

Nolan Jones hasn’t exactly locked down right field in Cleveland, so Brennan will be another option there against right-handers. The 27-year-old hit .304/.340/.419 in 156 plate appearances for Columbus. He’s a career .270/.308/.377 hitter in 853 major league plate appearances with the Guardians.

Brennan took Zebby Matthews deep for his third home run of the season, and is currently slashing .320/.351/.456 with two steals. With Jhonkensy Noel hitting .164/.186/.269 with a 30 percent strikeout rate at the big league level, and Nolan Jones also struggling, it’s possible the Guardians could make a swap in the coming weeks.

Brennan’s shot at making Cleveland’s season-opening roster evaporated last weekend when the club swung a trade with the Rockies to bring back corner outfielder Nolan Jones. He’ll open the regular season back in the minors, but should be the Guardians first call when injuries strike at the highest level.