© Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
SAN DIEGO — Hardly a day after making his major league debut, Andrew Suarez is headed back to Triple-A Sacramento. The Giants announced on Thursday afternoon that they are optioning Suarez and recalling Derek Law to fortify the bullpen for their upcoming four-game series with the San Diego Padres.
#SFGiants returned Andrew Suarez to Sacramento and recalled RHP Derek Law to freshen their bullpen for tonight's series opener at San Diego.
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) April 12, 2018
When Johnny Cueto was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a sprained right ankle, Suarez was called up to make his major league debut. He started with three terrific innings, striking out four without allowing a walk or hit.
Although Suarez went on to give up two home runs and took the loss, he held the Diamondbacks to four hits over 5.1 innings with seven strikeouts.
Since the Giants can’t recall Suarez for another 10 days, unless he replaces an injured player, it just about guarantees that Cueto will be ready to make his next start.
As for Law, he started the season in the minor leagues after a tough spring. In three innings pitched in Sacramento, he owns a 3.00 ERA with only three hits and one run allowed. He’ll add a fresh arm to a bullpen that’s been heavily used over the last five games.
Since beating out the Los Angeles Dodgers in 14 innings on April 7, the Giants’starters have averaged roughly five innings per outing. That’s left the bullpen to pitch 24.2 innings over the last five games.