SF Giants recall scorching hot Heliot Ramos, place Michael Conforto on IL

The SF Giants recalled outfielder Heliot Ramos from Triple-A on Friday, placing outfielder Michael Conforto on the IL.

The SF Giants recalled outfielder Heliot Ramos (Giants Top 30 Prospect) from Triple-A Sacramento on Friday afternoon prior to the start of the team's three-game series against Atlanta. In a corresponding move, the Giants placed outfielder Michael Conforto on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to August 24th) with a left hamstring strain. Ramos was recently optioned back to the minors but could be recalled to replace an injured player. If his brother, Henry Ramos, had not been designated for assignment earlier this week, they would have been slated to play one another next week.

SF Giants OF Heliot Ramos before a game against the Kansas City Royals. (2023) / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Ramos has seen his prospect stock fall over the past few seasons. However, the Giants 2017 first-round pick is in the middle of his most productive season since at least 2019. He also just had his most impressive stint in the majors, hitting .267/.353/.600 in 17 plate appearances this month. In Ramos' one game back at Triple-A, he went 2-for-4 with a double, home run, and walk.

🔨 Heliot 🔨 pic.twitter.com/Ve5YXYVQKa

— Sacramento River Cats (@RiverCats) August 25, 2023

Ramos struggled mightily against upper-level pitching early this season. He hit just .192/.222/.269 with a pair of doubles, a walk, and eight strikeouts in 27 plate appearances in the majors, although he was showing signs that he was on the cusp of a major breakthrough. Then, he landed on the injured list, and seemed to be heading for a lost season.

Instead, after a prolonged hiatus, Ramos began a rehab assignment at Single-A San Jose and began elevating the ball more effectively than he ever has as a pro. Since July 1st, Ramos has easily been the most productive power hitter in the organization, hitting .339/.399/.710 with 13 doubles, three triples, and nine home runs since July 1st across all levels.

Despite his recent productive stretch, the Giants have been hesitant to give Ramos opportunities. Even with several veteran outfielders already on the injured list, the Giants opted to call up outfielder Wade Meckler (Giants Top 22 Prospect) and give him a more prolonged look in the outfield earlier this month.

Conforto's injury is the latest hiccup in an underwhelming first season with the Giants. Conforto inked two-year, $36 million deal that included an opt-out with the Giants last offseason, hoping to rekindle his early-career form before returning to free agency. However, the 30-year-old outfielder has been fairly pedestrian this season, hitting .251/.343/.405 with 12 doubles and 15 home runs. 

Given the dearth of top hitters slated to hit free agency this offseason, it's not inconceivable that Conforto could still return to the field with enough time to catch fire and position himself to opt-out. However, the odds are clearly stacked against him. Now, in his absence, the SF Giants have a trio of young outfielders (Heliot Ramos, Meckler, and Luis Matos) on the roster. Although the impending return of Mitch Haniger and Mike Yastrzemski will likely lead to some demotions shortly.