Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
There’s a chance the Giants have not seen the last of Jeff Samardzija.
Samardzija, who has not pitched since a shoulder impingement was diagnosed after his Aug. 7 start, was set to throw three innings in Sacramento on Monday. The next step was not immediately clear, especially because Tuesday is the final day of workouts at the club’s alternate site, but Gabe Kapler said they were contemplating his starting a game during Friday’s doubleheader against the Padres.
Adding the caveat that “we’re going to consider every option,” Kapler suggested the Giants could again watch the 35-year-old pitch in orange and black, a notion that has looked increasingly less likely for a veteran whose contract is about to run out.
Samardzija struggled with diminished stuff early this season, a 9.88 ERA in three starts before the injury, and has been building up in Sacramento in the past few weeks while Drew Smyly has been building up at the big-league level. Samardzija has been in the 89-90-mph range with his fastball, which is down from last year, and had not been throwing his splitter as he worked his way back.
It has seemed more likely San Francisco tries him out of the pen, as it lacks a strong righty, but perhaps it can stay with Trevor Cahill pitching out of the bullpen, a rotation that has Johnny Cueto, Smyly, Kevin Gausman, Logan Webb and Tyler Anderson and ask Samardzija to take one turn rather than go with someone on short rest.
Cueto would be starting Monday after the Giants pushed him back because of hip soreness. Kapler said they will have to evaluate him carefully.
Kapler said Smyly will start Tuesday. The Giants have not announced their rotation past that.
Smyly and Cueto — as well as all the Giants pitchers — will not have to deal with Nolan Arenado. The Rockies placed their All-Star third baseman on the IL with left AC joint inflammation and a left shoulder bruise.
Tyler Beede is now throwing from 60 feet, reports Tyler Beede.
https://twitter.com/TylerBeede/status/1308163014131056641
Your 2020 Giants:
https://twitter.com/SFGiants/status/1308175582354526208
