Giants, MLB to release joint statement on Harrison Baders scooter crash

LAS VEGAS — A resolution is coming to the Giants’ quagmire involving Harrison Bader, a motorized scooter, a firetruck and an after-midnight crash that resulted in a broken foot.The Giants and MLB are expected to release a joint statement following their investigation into Bader’s late-night scooter crash in July that effectively ended his first season in San Francisco, president of baseball operations Buster Posey said on Tuesday.“Something should be released,” Posey said when asked about the erstwhile outfielder on the second day of MLB’s general managers meetings at the ARIA Resort and Casino.“Nothing real juicy,” he added, “so not to get your hopes up.”A Giants official later clarified that there would be nothing coming for at least a few weeks.Just as notably, Posey confirmed that Bader remains in the organization and in the Giants’ plans for next season, even among a crowded group of nine outfielders on their 40-man roster.The Giants suspended Bader’s pay for the remainder of last season following the crash.He is still owed $13 million for 2027 after signing a backloaded two-year, $20.5 million contract as a free agent last winter.At the time of the crash, Bader had already missed extended time with plantar fasciitis.

In 30 games, he posted career lows in batting average (.170) and OPS (.571) while slugging five home runs — two for grand slams.“He’s going to have to go out and play and play well to get playing time,” Posey said.Posey indicated the plan is for Bader and Drew Gilbert to split time in center field.Bader bats right-handed, while Gilbert is a lefty with significant platoon splits.

Jonah Cox, a speedy right-handed hitter, provides arguably their best defensive option in center.“I think as a group, and [manager] Tony [Vitello] as well, is going to more open to a little bit more matchup-based stuff out there,” Posey said.“Try to take advantage of some of these younger guys that maybe defensively are ahead of oth...