Giants call up Tyler Chatwood, option Jay Jackson

The San Francisco Giants are giving the ball to yet another veteran reclamation project. On Tuesday, the team called up 31-year old 10-year MLB veteran Tyler Chatwood, a right-handed pitcher.

To make room for Chatwood on the active roster, the Giants optioned right-handed pitcher Jay Jackson to AAA Sacramento. And to clear a spot for Chatwood on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Tyler Beede, who has struggled following Tommy John surgery, was placed on the 60-day Injured List.

Chatwood’s never been a great pitcher — he has a career ERA of 4.43 and FIP of 4.62 — but it seems as though he’s gotten very unlucky in his last two seasons. He sported a 5.30 ERA in 2020 for the Chicago Cubs, and a 5.46 ERA this season for the Toronto Blue Jays before being waived in late July. But his FIP in those two years was 3.35 and 3.82, respectively, and he combined for 57 strikeouts in 46.2 innings, albeit with 29 walks.

In four games with the Sacramento River Cats, the Giants AAA affiliate, Chatwood pitched 5.2 innings and allowed 2 hits, 3 walks, and 0 runs, with 6 strikeouts.

Still, it’s a bit of an odd move, seeing as how Jackson has performed quite well, with a 3.68 ERA, 3.32 FIP, and 21 strikeouts to 6 walks in 14.2 innings.

But regardless, welcome to the squad, Tyler Chatwood. Assuming he pitches, he’ll be the 31st Giant to do so this season, though two of those 31 were position players masquerading as pitchers (which we love).