'Strikes and gutters' defines Tony Vitello's first MLB season with Giants

Tony Vitello, the new first-year manager of the San Francisco Giants, faced a challenging 2026 season. The team finished with a 2-0 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking their 95th loss of the campaign. Despite this setback, Vitello remains optimistic, acknowledging that improvements are necessary for the team to succeed.

Injuries and trades affected the Giants' lineup, with key players such as Harrison Bader, Casey Schmitt, Matt Chapman, and Daniel Susac suffering injuries. At the deadline, the team dealt with losses like Heliot Ramos and Robbie Ray. Despite these setbacks, Vitello and his coaching staff remained focused on progress, employing the mantra "strikes and gutters" to convey the ups and downs of managing a first-year team.

Injuries forced the Giants to give more playing time to younger prospects. Players like Jonah Cox, Turner Hill, Víctor Bericoto, Christian Koss, and Harrison Kavanaugh stepped up to the plate, demonstrating their potential. Third-base coach Gary Pettis remarked on the performance of these young players, expressing his confidence in their ability to adapt to major league baseball.

Pitcher Dylan Smith, traded from the Detroit Tigers, proved his worth in the bullpen. He appeared in 48 games, posted a 1-6 record with a 3.31 ERA, and recorded 1.30 WHIP. Smith's determination to improve and contribute to the team's success was evident. As the offseason approaches, the Giants will continue to build on the potential of their young players while addressing pitching needs in the bullpen.