SAN FRANCISCO — Because baseball is a meritocracy, not a democracy, personal affinity means little when it comes to matters of roster construction. For the better part of the summer, this fact presented Gregor Blanco, the San Francisco Giants’ left fielder, with a conundrum. Desirous of nothing more than the chance to prove his mettle, he found his path to playing time blocked by his best friend on the team.

Suffice it to say that because the friend in question was Melky Cabrera, playing time in the Giants’ outfield became more available after the All-Star Game.

Cabrera last played for the team Aug. 14, before being suspended for 50 games for testing positive for elevated levels of testosterone. Blanco had hit only .232 up to that point, mostly as a part-timer, but he has been a changed player since. Even as he misses his friend and mentor, his job has been to make sure the Giants do not.