Giants reinstate Drew Smyly

Drew Smyly is finally back. The San Francisco Giants officially reinstated the left-handed pitcher on Thursday, prior to the start of their four-game series against the San Diego Padres.

To make room for Smyly, the Giants optioned right-handed pitcher Rico Garcia. They also made the addition of Justin Smoak official, after waiving Pablo Sandoval earlier in the day.

Smyly got off to a stellar start in his first year with the Giants. In three appearances (two starts) he allowed 7 hits, 4 walks, and 3 earned runs in 8.1 innings, while striking out 11 and earning an FIP of 1.98.

But he left his Aug. 1 start with index finger discomfort which sidelined him for over a month.

It will be interesting to see how the Giants use him. They’ve already announced that Trevor Cahill, Johnny Cueto, Kevin Gausman, and Logan Webb will make the starts, in that order, against San Diego. With Smyly coming back now, it seems unlikely that they’re just holding him for a start next week.

Conventional wisdom would say he is used in long relief if Cahill struggles on Thursday night, and then enters the rotation next week if all goes well.

But then again, the 2020 Giants certainly aren’t one for conventional wisdom, so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

As for Garcia, it’s the second time this year he’s been optioned. He pitched on Wednesday night, allowing 1 hit, 0 walks, and 1 earned run in 2 innings, while striking out 2.