Silly to assume like it is 100% due to service time. Why did he even come up in the first place if service time was that big of an issue? Why go through all of this and tick off Hiura/the fanbase for a short stint just to dump him back down regardless of stats? I don't buy that argument and don't think a competing team is worried about massive hypotheticals over 4 years from now. That is like making decision due to a top prospect in A+ ball and assuming he will be a force in three years. All signs point to it being about giving Shaw a chance to rebound, thus not making Hiura a part time guy...and also preserving the depth/versatility with the roster. They could have sent a pitcher away, but why do that? So Hiura plays once or twice a week? Stearns never said it was about defense, that is just the excuse people say he could use for the reason. Hiura will be back after Shaw either doesn't hit or hits well enough to push someone off the roster. Unfortunately Thames is the one hitting right now because logistically he makes the most sense to boot off the roster for the lefty Shaw. Sadly for us the RHB Aguilar is stinking up the joint. I also don't think Stearns is a dramatic person and realizes two weeks of Hiura gone is unlikely to be the difference in 5, 3, or even 2 wins. There will be at least a dozen non-moves or moves that will be way costlier than this and people are taking it way too seriously. Sticking with Aguilar or some bullpen arm blowing up constantly is probably five times more costly in the win column. Waiting till the end of July to make trades costs teams wins every single year. Claudio pitching against righties....way more costly. This move is like any other move. There is risk, but a lot of reward too if Shaw starts hitting again.