Casey Schmitt of the Giants is targeting the D-backs again

San Francisco infielder Casey Schmitt doesn’t currently have an established position, but you can bet manager Gabe Kapler will find a spot for the promising rookie.

Schmitt gave a much-needed boost to the They are giantswho continue their four-game streak with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday in Phoenix

Schmitt collected four hits, including his second home run in his first three major league games They are giantswon 6-2 Diamondbacks on Thursday. Schmitt is 8-for-12 to start his career, tying Willie McCovey for the most hits. They are giants player in his first three games

“He just keeps producing,” Kapler said. “I know it’s only been a couple of games, but he’s made a pretty big impact. I feel like we’ve been lucky with his production and I’m sure he’s enjoying every minute of it.”

Schmitt has started the past three games at shortstop for Brandon Crawford, who could return as soon as Friday after missing the past 11 games with a strained right calf.

Kapler plans to find a way to keep the versatile Schmitt in the lineup.

“Casey’s going to play shortstop for us, play some second base, play some third base,” Kapler said. “He’s going to move for us. He’s been a really good addition at shortstop so far, but he’s been one of the best third basemen in minor league baseball the last couple of years.

“We don’t know if someone is going to need a few days (of time off) like someone else. We want to be aware that we’re opening every possible door for them.”

Arizona, which has lost three straight, will send right-hander Ryne Nelson (1-2, 6.00 ERA) to the mound on Friday. He allowed three runs (two earned) over five innings in a no-decision against the Washington Nationals on Sunday.

Nelson, 25, has a 22-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio through his first seven starts this season. It will be his first career start against San Francisco.

THE They are giants righty John Brebbia (1-0, 5.93 ERA) is expected to start ahead of Ross Stripling (0-2, 6.66), another righty. Stripling allowed five runs on seven hits in five innings in Sunday’s 7-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Arizona outfielder Corbin Carroll is expected to be in the lineup after being rested Thursday. The D-backs are being cautious with Carroll, who injured his left knee on April 29 and has been out the next two games.

“We targeted a certain part of the comeback to have an off day,” D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. “He’s good. He’s in a good spot. We just want to be smart about making sure he plays his best baseball all season and doesn’t catch up.”

THE DiamondbacksThe struggles continued Thursday as Jose Ruiz allowed four runs (three earned) in the ninth inning to extend San Francisco’s lead to 6-0. Lovullo said he’s looking at options to help support his ambulance crews

“I might have to step up in some situations and give some negative roles a chance to be a positive role,” Lovullo said. “I did a little bit recently and you know the names and it’s a great opportunity for them. But it’s really about stepping up and getting the job no matter when you get the baseball.”

— Field Level Media