Camilo Doval is back, sporting a grin so wide you could probably see it from Oracle Park, and honestly, can you blame him? The former All-Star closer officially returned to the San Francisco Giants this week, and his agent’s call telling him “Guess what? You’re coming back home,” was “the best news I ever got,” according to Doval himself. This isn’t just another roster move, folks. This is a player finding his way back to where he desperately wants to be, right when his old squad needs him most.
The Long Road Back to the Bay
Doval’s journey has been a whirlwind since his All-Star year in 2023, a season where he racked up an impressive 39 saves for the Giants. He headed to the Yankees last year in a trade that brought four prospects to San Francisco, including a promising catcher-utility player in Jesús Rodríguez. But the Big Apple wasn’t home, and New York eventually sent him packing to Pittsburgh last month. Now, he’s back with the orange and black, and it’s crystal clear where his heart truly lies. “If it was up to me, I would stay here in San Francisco for as long as I pitch in the big leagues,” Doval stated. “This is where I want to be, and this is where I want to go back to the Camilo that I was before.” That kind of commitment is everything for a team looking to rebuild.
Electric Stuff and a Bullpen in Need
Look, we all know Doval wasn’t exactly lights-out after his All-Star season. He was less reliable in 2024, to the point where Ryan Walker took over the closer role that August. Then in 2025, he really struggled to throw strikes and even spent some time down in Triple-A Sacramento before that trade. But the Giants’ bullpen right now? It’s “in severe need of rebuilding.” If Doval can find his zone, especially against left-handed hitters, he’s a huge piece of that puzzle. Pitching coach Justin Meccage shared on Friday that there’s already a plan in place to tick up his slider usage against lefties. Meccage saw Doval throw a light session and was hyped, calling it “electric stuff.” Manager Tony Vitello, who only knew Doval from afar, had a “fun” chat with the enthusiastic reliever, noting, “He keeps calling this his home.” For good luck, Doval’s even ditching his old number 75 for 57. It’s a fresh start, on all fronts.
Doval is expected to pitch either Saturday or Sunday against the Dodgers. To make room on the roster, César Perdomo, who started Wednesday’s game and is done for the season, was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento. This isn’t just about a familiar face returning, it’s about a team hoping their prodigal son can rediscover his All-Star form and truly stabilize a bullpen that desperately needs it.
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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