The Giants had a rotation battle all through Spring Coaching. Logan Webb, Robbie Ray and Justin Verlander have been locked into the highest three spots. President of baseball operations Buster Posey mentioned in December that the group remained dedicated to Jordan Hicks as a starter. The ultimate job would go to considered one of three youthful arms: Kyle Harrison, Hayden Birdsong or landshore pump.
Harrison appeared just like the frontrunner coming into camp. If that had been the case, he rapidly pitched his manner out of it. The lefty allowed eight runs in 6 2/3 spring innings. The Giants optioned him earlier than Opening Day. (He is since made 4 begins at Triple-A Sacramento, permitting 9 earned runs regardless of recording 21 strikeouts over 15 innings.) It got here right down to Birdsong and Roupp, with the latter getting the nod. Birdsong broke camp as an extended reliever.
The choice got here as a shock. Birdsong began 16 all of his main league appearances final 12 months. He turned in a 4.75 ERA over 72 innings as a rookie. He’d been lights out throughout Spring Coaching, firing 12 innings of one-run ball with 18 strikeouts and no walks. Roupp had a very good however much less spectacular camp, giving up 5 runs with 14 strikeouts and one stroll throughout 12 frames. He additionally had extra expertise understanding of the bullpen, as he’d began simply 4 of 23 appearances throughout his debut season final 12 months.
San Francisco in all probability feels good about their determination to offer Roupp a rotation job. The 26-year-old righty carries a 4.09 earned run common with a superb 31.2% strikeout charge via the primary 4 turns. He has recorded a pair of high quality begins and reached seven innings for the primary time in his MLB profession on Saturday, when he held the Angels to 2 runs whereas hanging out 9.
Whereas Roupp has earned continued beginning seems, the remainder of the rotation past Webb has struggled. The Giants have raced to a 15-9 document regardless of their rotation having the seventh-worst ERA in MLB, coming into play Wednesday. They need to already think about making a change.
Unlock Subscriber-Unique Articles Like This One With a Commerce Rumors Entrance Workplace Subscription
Entry weekly subscriber-only articles by Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams, and Anthony Franco.
Be part of unique weekly stay chats with Anthony.
Take away adverts and help our writers.
Entry GM-caliber instruments like our MLB Contract Tracker
