SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Ehire Adrianza went 2-for-3 with an RBI in the Giants' 10-6 exhibition loss to the D-backs on Wednesday, lifting his spring batting average to .333. The utility infielder realizes that he must sustain that type of performance to bolster his chances of making the Opening Day roster.
"Everybody knows that I need to hit to be on the team. There's no doubt about it," Adrianza said. "I think the main thing for me right now is to concentrate more on the offensive side than the defensive, because everybody knows that I'm good with the glove. You have to be more consistent at the plate, getting some good ABs."
Unfortunately for Adrianza, a .211 hitter in 114 games during parts of each of the past three seasons with San Francisco, thriving at the plate might not be enough. If the Giants' braintrust decides to begin the season with a three-man catching contingent, a 13th pitcher or an additional reserve outfielder, Adrianza could be squeezed out.
"There's a lot of competition right now," Adrianza said. "I have to keep going and work hard."
Adrianza prepared for this spring's challenge by bulking up to 200 pounds, a 14-pound increase from last year.
"I feel stronger and more quick," he said.