SAN FRANCISCO -- Matt Duffy wasn’t supposed to be on the Opening Day roster, but he was too good last spring to send back to the minors. Duffy wasn’t supposed to be a starter for the Giants, but by the middle of May it became clear that he was too good to keep on the bench.
The breakthrough season was full of surprises, but Tuesday’s announcement wasn't one of them. As expected, Duffy is a finalist for the National League Rookie of the Year award, along with Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant and Pirates shortstop Jung Ho Kang.