SAN FRANCISCO – The Giants hope they finally have a big-hitting first baseman.
The Giants acquired Ryan Garko from Cleveland on Monday, and the former Stanford star is expected to be in uniform tonight.
Garko, 28, hit .285 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs in 78 games for the Indians, including .343 this month.
The Giants gave up Class-A pitcher Scott Barnes. The left-hander, considered a top-20 prospect in the Giants' organization, was 12-3 with a 2.85 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 18 starts.
General manager Brian Sabean hopes to keep Garko beyond this season. Garko, who is in his fifth major-league season and third full campaign, will be eligible for arbitration for the first time. Garko will get most of the at-bats and playing time at first base, with Travis Ishikawa assuming a more limited role.
"Professional hitter, really punishes left-handed pitching," Sabean said. "It complements what we're trying to do to develop Ishikawa. The timing was right. He can drive in a run. He can hit a three-run homer."
Also, the Giants recalled infielder-outfielder Eugenio Velez and infielder Jesus Guzmán from Triple-A Fresno and optioned infielder-outfielder John Bowker of Sacramento and infielder Matt Downs to Fresno.
– Janie McCauley, Associated Press
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