The San Francisco Giants have officially reduced their fifth-starter competition to two candidates. Left-hander Kyle Harrison was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento ahead of the team’s final Cactus League game, leaving right-handers Hayden Birdsong and Landen Roupp as the last contenders for the spot.
Both pitchers are set to make their final case in an exhibition game against Triple-A Sacramento, with Harrison starting for the River Cats as he continues to rebuild his stamina after an illness affected his early spring training.
Harrison’s Setback Opens Door for Roupp and Birdsong in Rotation Battle
Harrison, who was initially a strong candidate for the Giants’ rotation, was slowed by an illness that caused him to lose significant weight and miss valuable preparation time. Despite his experience from last season, where he posted a 4.56 ERA over 24 starts, the setback kept him from making the Opening Day roster for the second consecutive year.
Manager Bob Melvin acknowledged that while Harrison was seen as part of the competition, he was never truly in contention due to his limited progression in camp. Instead, the battle for the fifth-starter role has primarily been between Roupp and Birdsong.
Kyle Harrison (MLB)Both remaining candidates have performed well in Cactus League action. Roupp has posted a 3.75 ERA over four starts and showcased his strikeout ability with an impressive performance in a High-A game.
However, Birdsong may have the edge after an outstanding spring, where he recorded a 0.75 ERA with 18 strikeouts and no walks over 12 innings. The 23-year-old right-hander’s dominance could make him the frontrunner for the final rotation spot, but the Giants may have a tough decision to make between the two.
Giants Weigh Rotation and Bullpen Roles for Roupp, Birdsong, and Final Roster Spots
There remains a possibility that both Roupp and Birdsong will make the Giants’ Opening Day roster, with one landing in the rotation and the other in the bullpen. Roupp, who secured a bullpen spot last year after an impressive spring, could return to that role if the Giants opt to use Birdsong as a starter.
Melvin acknowledged the challenge of determining how the two pitchers will fit into the roster but praised their strong performances. The decision will ultimately come down to how they perform in their final spring outings.
In addition to Harrison’s reassignment, the Giants also optioned right-hander Keaton Winn to Triple-A Sacramento and reassigned left-hander Joey Lucchesi to Minor League camp. Lucchesi had a strong spring, allowing no runs over seven innings, but the Giants chose to carry only one left-hander, Erik Miller, in their bullpen.
The remaining bullpen spots are expected to be filled by Ryan Walker, Camilo Doval, and Tyler Rogers, with several other relievers still in contention for the final places. The Giants’ pitching staff is coming together as Opening Day approaches, with a few final decisions left to be made.
