LOS ANGELES - Conor Gillaspie had a rough time early in 2016, his first year back with the Giants. In one four-week stretch over May and June he went hitless in 22 at-bats to drop his average to .140, with more than a few hard-hit balls that found gloves.
It happened against this year. The Giants' top pinch-hitter started 4-for-26. He played third base in Friday night's game against the Padres at AT&T Park, hit four balls hard and settled for one hit. After ripping a ball to the second baseman, who was stationed in the outfield in a shift, Gillaspie shook his head as he walked back to the dugout.