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Hello and happy Wednesday.
The San Francisco Giants had a presumed starting rotation when they entered Spring Training: Kevin Gausman, Johnny Cueto, Anthony DeSclafani, Aaron Sanchez, and Alex Wood.
Then Wood suffered a physical setback with his back, and Logan Webb stole the show at Spring Training, and suddenly the rotation looked different.
But now Wood is about ready to return. He pitched on Tuesday for the San Francisco By Way of Sacramento Alternate Site Giant River Cats (that’s the official team name, buy some merch), and seems to be healthy. Manager Gabe Kapler has been transparent that Wood will return to the active roster soon, and that the Giants view him as a starter.
3️⃣⬆️, 3️⃣⬇️
— rivercats (@RiverCats) April 13, 2021
Mid 3 | SF - 3, OAK - 2#ClawsUp pic.twitter.com/AVkawlMYyG
Gabe Kapler said that if Alex Wood comes out of today's outing at the alternate site feeling healthy and having thrown well, the #SFGiants will begin discussing bringing him back to the 26-man roster.
— Kerry Crowley (@KO_Crowley) April 13, 2021
Kapler says the rotation will be as is for the start of the next trip, but could change after that. Team sees Alex Wood as a starter and he could be available in five days to start.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) April 13, 2021
So now what? Through two passes of the rotation, Webb is the only starter who looks shaky, so a demotion for him seems the clear move. Will that be to the bullpen, or to the Alternate Training Site? And what happens if, say, Sanchez has a horrible outing next week?
Not knowing what talented player to demote to make room for another talented player is a good problem to have, but it’s certainly not one that Giants fans are particularly used to.
Old, random MCC article for you to read
Giants deal two prospects for Casey McGehee (Dec. 19, 2014 — Grant Brisbee)
Giants links
- Grant Brisbee helps you get to know new Giants Thairo Estrada and Skye Bolt (The Athletic, subscription required)
- Susan Slusser on the Giants plummeting attendance (SF Chronicle)
- Maria Guardado on the upcoming decision with Alex Wood (MLB)
- Kerry Crowley on what Buster Posey is doing differently this year, and why it’s working (Mercury News)
- Dalton Johnson on how the Giants struggling offense might just be bad luck (NBC Sports Bay Area)
What time do the Giants play today?
The Giants play the Reds today at 12:45 p.m. PT.
Hope you all have a great Wednesday.