PHOENIX — When Casey Schmitt got word that he’d likely be playing some outfield for the first time since he played ball at Eastlake High School in San Diego, the San Francisco Giants infielder immediately opened up the Amazon app. 

He needed a glove, as soon as possible. So he quickly ordered one for next-day delivery, only to see the perils of haste when he unwrapped the packaging to unveil his new leather: The glove was left-handed. So back on the online ordering applications he went. 

Schmitt found a suitable replacement in a pinch, a black Crocodile skin-style Rawlings that he has broken in with a little bit of Aquaphor lip balm — his special trick. 

That black glove came into use Monday when Schmitt took the field as the Giants’ left fielder, his first start in the outfield as a pro ballplayer. He hopes some of those high school reps help out.

“It was a little bit of familiarity,” he said. “It feels pretty OK. I wouldn’t say I’m a Gold Glover out there but it feels pretty doable, would be the word.”

Schmitt’s glove collection is expanding by the month, it seems. He rose through the Giants’ minor league ranks as a third baseman, but Matt Chapman’s arrival in San Francisco had Schmitt moving all around the diamond with the big league team. He’s since bought a middle infield glove, moving to second base with shortstop reps sprinkled in; an unexpected need for Schmitt to play first base for the first time last year meant adding another glove to his stack. 

Schmitt estimates he has 15 gloves and mitts total, five he uses regularly. That kind of versatility has been a hack in the puzzle manager Tony Vitello navigates when drawing up the daily lineup. 

This struggling team needs runs, and Schmitt is one of few Giants regularly able to produce them. Entering Monday, he led the team in home runs (eight), RBIs (21) and OPS (.875). Keeping him in the lineup is crucial, and keeping him in the mix meant he played at first, second, third and designated hitter this season before his left field start. 

Schmitt’s start Monday, however, did not represent his first time playing the outfield. He trotted out to left field on Friday after Heliot Ramos went down with a quad strain during a game against the A’s. 

It also will not be the last time Schmitt starts in left field while Ramos is out. Though Drew Gilbert is the more sure-handed defensive outfielder and catcher Eric Haase played there on Sunday, moving Schmitt to left field opens up opportunities for Bryce Eldridge — which the team has had trouble finding since they called him up earlier this month to give a frozen offense a thaw and wakeup call.

Eldridge plays first or DH’s, and his pathways to playing time have been blocked. Rafael Devers is getting the majority of playing time at first base, and when he’s designated hitter, Schmitt slides over to first. Otherwise, Schmitt has mostly been DHing. 

Monday, Schmitt’s move to left field opened the DH spot for Eldridge to get the nod against right-hander Zac Gallen. 

For a Giants team desperate to score more runs — they’re in the league’s cellar for most major offensive statistics —  a lineup with Devers, Schmitt and Eldridge may be their most potent. Ramos’ 10-day injured list stint could last more than two weeks, Vitello said, which may open opportunities for Eldridge more than anyone.

“A guy like that can just touch the ball and it’ll go over the fence or into the gap,” Vitello said. “It changes things a little bit. So, again, even if there isn’t actual production or the stat sheet doesn’t look great, he can help us win by being a presence in the lineup and that’s only going to increase the more reps he gets.”

Eldridge hasn’t been getting the reps ideal for a top prospect. Before Monday, he had been slotted into the starting lineup seven times since May 5 and only three times in the Giants’ previous seven games. He had been quiet in those starts, too, going 2-for-24 — including a home run. 

“It’s a little bit of a puzzle to solve,” Vitello said. “But when you come to work every day and you have a guy that’s always got a smile on his face, and he’s willing to do whatever you ask, it makes it a lot easier.” 

Briefly: Right-hander Logan Webb, out with knee bursitis, will throw a bullpen session on Tuesday and is expected to start a rehab assignment this week.