SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Jung Hoo Lee’s rookie season ended prematurely with a shoulder injury last May but the outfielder continued what’s been an impressive return for the Giants in Thursday’s 7-3 spring training win over the White Sox.
Lee showcased his power with a two-run home run in the third inning, driving in shortstop Willy Adames to put the Giants up 3-0 early. It was Lee’s second homer of the spring and his eighth hit in 20 at-bats.
“I feel like the success I’m having right now in spring training is for sure a process that we’ve all gone through, not just by myself but with the team, with the trainers and the organization,” Lee said through team interpreter Justin Han. “They helped me out really well and supported me 100% to get me here and come back with a healthy mind. I just wanted to give that back to the organization and I’m just trying my best to help out the team.”
Giants manager Bob Melvin has placed Lee third in the lineup behind lefty Lamonte Wade Jr. and Adames this spring, trying to take advantage of the two lefties surrounding Adames and his right-handed power.
“Lee likes to swing. I know we had that last year when he was there. It just feels like he’s a way better fit in the three-hole right now,” Melvin said.
Lee didn’t credit his success this spring to any mechanical change, but like all of the best hitters, he continued to tinker with things to improve at the plate after batting .262 with a 641 OPS in 37 games last season.
“There is a lot of talk with the hitting coaches and a lot of communication that’s helping me out,” Lee said.
One change that occurred in the offseason had nothing to do with Lee himself but rather the man he says he’s honored to play behind in center field.
Right-handed pitcher Justin Verlander made his second official Cactus League start Thursday. At age 42, Verlander showed flashes of the ace and future Hall of Famer he’s been in years past. The veteran didn’t mind having Lee’s help against the White Sox and seemed excited about playing with the talented center fielder.
“I think he’s somebody that comes with high expectations, rightfully so, and I think talent wins out at any level,” Verlander said. “From what I understand, in the limited time before he didn’t seem overmatched and surely doesn’t now.”
While Lee wasn’t overmatched Thursday, the rag-tag White Sox struggled to get going against Verlander. He pitched four innings, tallied four strikeouts and allowed four hits and one earned run. Verlander’s fastball hovered around 93 and 94 mph before he let it loose in his final inning of work, throwing a few pitches at 96 mph.
On the first fastball that touched 96, Verlander appeared to turn back toward the scoreboard in right field to check his velocity.
“It’s always changed for me,” Verlander said about his fastball in spring training.
When asked about the new curveball he showcased over the weekend in a simulated game, Verlander offered an interesting answer.
“I’m throwing it the same way,” he said. “Just tinkering.”
As for his manager’s assessment of Verlander’s day, Melvin lacked any concern about his new pitcher.
“He’s throwing 96 and he just looked like Justin Verlander,” Melvin said. “He’s very driven out there. Gives up a hit and gives up a run, he’s upset in a spring training game, hich is kind of who he is. It’s been really good.”
Notable
* Third baseman Matt Chapman, also in the middle of an impressive spring training at the plate, launched a pair of solo home runs in his three at-bats. He’s now slashing .462/.611/1.154 through 13 at-bats over six games. The pair of blasts pushed Chapman’s spring total to three.
* Left-handed relievers Joey Lucchesi and Enny Romero both appeared in the late innings, continuing to fight for spots as lefty help in the bullpen. Lucchesi worked a scoreless eighth while Romero struggled in the top of the ninth. Romero gave up a pair of hits including a two-run home run to White Sox catching prospect Adam Hackenberg.
In a limited 2.2 innings of work, Lucchesi has yet to allow a run in Arizona.
* Prior to Thursday’s game, Melvin discussed the Giants’ desire to be more aggressive on the basepaths in 2025. The Giants were second-to-last in the majors with just 65 stolen bases last year. The team swiped three bags Thursday, including one by catcher Patrick Bailey.
“He’s got pretty good feet,” Melvin said about Bailey. “As a catcher, you kind of know the cadence out there and who’s trying to pay attention … spring training, this is a time to find out what you can do.”
Center fielder Grant McCray accounted for the other two steals Thursday.