Giants adapt to 'the new norm' as camp opens

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants found themselves adjusting to a new normal after reporting to Oracle Park for the first workout of Summer Camp on Friday.

Players took the field wearing masks, roaming the ballpark in small groups to adhere to social-distancing guidelines. There were no hugs or high-fives, with manager Gabe Kapler instead greeting newly arrived players with elbow bumps.

As Brandon Crawford, Brandon Belt and Evan Longoria completed sprints around the infield, they had to suppress the urge to spit, a habit that is second nature among players but is now expressly forbidden as part of the health and safety protocols laid out by Major League Baseball.

"When you're running or moving around and stuff and you're out on the field, you're just used to getting that saliva in your mouth and just being able to spit it out," Crawford said. "That's something that you can't do anymore. After we were running, it was something that me, Longo and Belt were all talking about. We all kind of wanted to, but we had to hold it back. And that's definitely something that's a little different. We're going to have to get used to that."

The scenes reflected the realities and challenges the Giants face as they attempt to work their way back from the 3 1/2-month shutdown prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. Before they were cleared to participate in Friday's workout, players had to undergo COVID-19 testing and temperature checks as part of MLB's mandatory intake screening process. Only one player in the Giants' player pool -- right-hander Luis Madero -- has tested positive.

The Giants are taking every possible step to mitigate the risk of an outbreak in camp. They set up outdoor dining beyond the center-field wall, added a new bullpen mound at the warning track and converted the players' parking garage into a weight room. Players are also split between the home and visitors clubhouses to provide sufficient space between lockers.

"That's just the way things are going to be now," right-hander Jeff Samardzija said. "We need to stop kind of holding on to the past, understand what the new norm is and adjust to that new norm. Until we're told differently, that's the way it's going to need to be. I think you need to put all excuses aside, do what you need to do to be allowed to go out there and play."

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The Giants worked out in three waves on Friday, with 10 pitchers and 10 hitters in each group. Kevin Gausman, Drew Smyly, Tyler Rogers, Logan Webb and Trevor Gott were among the pitchers who long-tossed in the right-field corner. Crawford, Belt and Longoria were spotted crisscrossing the field to hit in the batting cages.

Managers typically hold a team meeting before the first full-squad workout of Spring Training, but Kapler opted to instead address players through a Zoom call on Thursday. Kapler, bench coach Kai Correa and third-base coach Ron Wotus outlined the schedule of workouts the Giants will follow over the next three weeks to prepare for their July 23 or 24 opener, while head trainer Dave Groeschner provided an overview of the club's new medical protocols.

"It's not this world where everyone gets what they want and everything is great and fluffy," Samardzija said. "This is not a good time, but we need to figure out how to get things done in a bad time. I think we work together, and we trust each other. Don't do anything stupid. We'll be alright."

Samardzija said he spent the shutdown in Arizona, logging early-morning hikes and throwing 5-6 times per week. He expressed confidence that he'll be able to build his arm back up without much issue, estimating that he might be able to throw 75-85 pitches by the time the Giants open the season.

Crawford said he worked out and hit regularly at Scottsdale Stadium during the hiatus, though he noted that he hasn't faced live pitching since March. He'll have his first opportunity to do so on Saturday, when the Giants hold their first rounds of live batting practice at Oracle Park.

"There's a lot to talk about and a lot of issues when things aren't normal, and that's kind of where we're at," Samardzija said. "Once everyone gets used to a routine, I think you'll see things slide back into normal."