SF Giants Roster Updates: Bader to IL, Cox recalled from minors

Bader, 31, was the first domino to fall in a flurry of transactions, landing on the IL with left plantar fasciitis. The veteran outfielder, who signed a two-year, $20.5 million deal with the Giants this offseason, had struggled at the plate before the injury. Through 30 games, Bader was hitting just .170 with five home runs and 14 RBI.

His absence leaves another hole in a lineup that has been inconsistent early in the year, a key reason the San Francisco Giants enter Monday’s slate 13 games under .500.

In response to Bader’s injury, the San Francisco Giants selected the contract of outfielder Jonah Cox, a 24-year-old center fielder who has been one of the organization’s most productive hitters at the minor league level this season.

Jonah Cox lines a double for his first MLB hit! pic.twitter.com/k37DkieJcJ

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) May 31, 2026

Cox, promoted from Double-A Richmond, earned the call after a red-hot stretch in which he batted .400 with a .644 slugging percentage and a 1.097 OPS across 44 games. During that span, Cox added six home runs and 35 RBI, showcasing both contact ability and emerging power.

The early returns at the big-league level were encouraging. Cox recorded a hit in his first Major League at-bat during Sunday’s blowout win over the Colorado Rockies, offering a glimpse of the spark the San Francisco Giants are hoping he can provide.

The outfield shuffle also included a brief stint for Will Brennan at the Major League level. Brennan was promoted as part of the roster maneuvering but was optioned back to Triple-A Sacramento just one day later, underscoring the fluid nature of the Giants’ roster decisions during this stretch.

Beyond the outfield changes, the San Francisco Giants made several additional transactions. Right-handed pitcher Tristan Beck was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento, adding a fresh arm to the pitching staff, while left-handed pitcher Ryan Borucki was designated for assignment to create space on the roster.

In calling up Cox, the Giants are turning to a young hitter who has demonstrated both consistency and upside in the minors, hoping that his momentum can translate against Major League pitching.

With the San Francisco Giants sitting 13 games below the .500 mark entering Monday, the urgency to find a spark is undeniable. Whether Cox can inject life into the lineup remains to be seen, but the organization’s willingness to make swift and decisive roster moves signals a team searching for answers–and quickly.

As Bader begins his recovery and the roster continues to evolve, the coming weeks could prove pivotal in determining whether the San Francisco Giants can reverse course and climb back into contention.