Full Breakdown
San Francisco Giants Name Gary Pettis Third Base Coach
6/3/2026, 5:36:40 AM
Giants Appoint Gary Pettis as Third Base Coach
The San Francisco Giants announced the hiring of former outfielder and veteran coach Gary Pettis as their third-base coach. The appointment was made public on Tuesday, a day before the team’s scheduled game in Milwaukee against the Brewers, and Pettis is set to join the roster the following day.
Background: Reassignment of Hector Borg
Earlier in the week, the Giants removed Hector Borg from the third-base coach role and reassigned him to player development. Ron Wotus, a special assistant to baseball operations, served as interim third-base coach during the transition. The change was attributed to Borg’s “poor performance” in the position, according to senior director of player development Mike Minasian.
Gary Pettis: Coaching and Playing Resume
Pettis, 68, is an Oakland native who played 11 major-league seasons (1982-1992) with the California Angels, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, and San Diego Padres. He earned five Gold Glove Awards (1985-1990) and stole 354 bases. His coaching career spans 27 years, including 22 years at the major-league level. Recent assignments include third-base coach for the Houston Astros (2015-2024/2025) and earlier roles with the Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, and New York Mets. Pettis previously worked under Dusty Baker with the Astros; Baker now serves as a special adviser to the Giants.
Timeline of Coaching Changes
- June 2, 2026 – Giants announce Hector Borg’s reassignment.
- June 2, 2026 – Ron Wotus assumes interim third-base duties.
- June 3, 2026 – Gary Pettis hired as permanent third-base coach.
- June 4, 2026 – Pettis joins the team in Milwaukee for the Brewers game.
- June 7, 2026 – Pettis makes his on-field debut when the Giants face the Chicago Cubs.
Data & Statistics
- Playing career: 11 seasons, 5 Gold Gloves, 354 stolen bases.
- Coaching experience: 27 years total; 22 years in the majors.
- Recent tenure: Astros third-base coach 2015-2024 (some reports list 2015-2025).
- Championships: Part of Astros World Series-winning teams in 2017 and 2022 (other sources cite four championships and two pennants).
Why It Matters
The Giants view Pettis’s hiring as a “fresh start” for the base-running and in-game decision-making aspects of the team. His extensive experience at third base and familiarity with several current Giants staff members are expected to enhance communication with players and contribute to strategic adjustments mid-season.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Tony Vitello emphasized Pettis’s reputation and experience, noting the timing offers an opportunity to assess team needs. Infield coach Ron Washington highlighted Pettis’s collaborative approach and the value of his prior knowledge. Minasian expressed confidence that Borg will still contribute positively within player development.
Criticism & Opposition
The reassignment of Borg was framed as a response to subpar performance in the third-base role. No public criticism of Pettis’s hiring emerged in the sources.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Astros tenure: Sources differ on whether Pettis served through 2024 or 2025.
- Championship count: One source cites two World Series titles (2017, 2022); another mentions four championships and two pennants. The article notes the discrepancy without selecting a definitive figure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's about impossible to argue with his reputation in baseball and in particular his experience at third base,” — Tony Vitello, Giants manager
- “He really knows a good host of our other players and has interacted with them one way or another,” — Tony Vitello, Giants manager
- “I really kind of envision it being a good thing because we’re looking for anything that’s kind of a fresh start or a new thing to begin with,” — Tony Vitello, Giants manager
- “We picked up some good experience and some good know-how,” — Ron Washington, Giants infield coach
- “He’s a team player, so I think he’s going to do a good job over there at third base.” — Ron Washington, Giants infield coach
What’s Next
Pettis will travel with the Giants to Chicago for the series beginning Friday, where he will make his first on-field appearance as the team’s third-base coach. The organization will monitor the impact of his coaching on base-running efficiency and overall game strategy throughout the remainder of the season.
