Adrian Houser hit the injured list with a forearm strain this week, and honestly, that’s just the latest brutal blow for a San Francisco Giants pitching staff that is absolutely reeling right now. This is no normal season for them, folks. They’re down pitcher after pitcher, and it looks like a disaster brewing.
The Injury Bug Is Biting Hard
Seriously, the injury situation is getting out of control for the G-Men. On Monday, Carson Whisenhunt left his start with a torn UCL, and he’s already scrambling for a second opinion to figure out his surgeon. Now Houser is sidelined with that forearm strain, and you know how scary those can be, sometimes they’re even a precursor to a full-blown UCL tear. But wait, there’s more. Since the start of the month, they’ve traded away a huge chunk of their rotation, shipping off Robbie Ray, Tyler Mahle, Erik Miller, and Caleb Kilian. On top of that, Trevor McDonald also tore his UCL, Keaton Winn is out with elbow neuritis, and JT Brubaker is dealing with bruised ribs. It’s a miracle they even have enough arms to fill out a roster right now.
Who’s Stepping Up When No One Is Left?
With the IL overflowing, the Giants had to call up right-hander Braxton Roxby. At 27, he’s barely clinging to prospect status, but hey, desperate times, right? He’s got a 4-3 record with a 4.11 ERA and opponents are hitting a meager .205 against him at Triple-A Sacramento this season. Manager Tony Vitello is trying to be positive, saying Roxby is “throwing the ball well” and “can provide length if we need it.” He even noted Roxby “attacks with his fastball” and is a “good athlete.” Roxby, who came over in the Taylor Rogers deal last year, is actually the first Pitt-Johnstown alum ever to make a big-league appearance. Think about that for a second. With Logan Webb now slated for Wednesday, Landen Roupp pushed to Thursday, and Blade Tidwell set for Friday, Saturday’s doubleheader is gonna be a massive test. Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson is getting recalled as the 27th player and will likely get a rotation spot after already serving as an opener twice and stretching out to seven innings this season. The other game? Likely a bullpen extravaganza.
The good news is September roster expansion kicks in next Tuesday, after that makeup game in Atlanta. But even that comes with a catch. The team is probably not going to call up any players who need to be protected on the 40-man roster for the Rule 5 draft. Guys like lefty Cesar Perdomo, who’s been pitching well at Sacramento, could be left in the minors, just to avoid losing them. It’s a huge strategic mess, and you gotta wonder how they’ll map out pitching for Monday’s game in Atlanta, let alone survive the doubleheader. This pitching staff needs a miracle to get through the month.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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