The Giants announced a collection of roster moves today, including the news that right-hander Jeff Samardzija has been activated from the 10-day DL to start today’s game against the Cardinals. Infielder Chase d’Arnaud will also join the 25-man roster after his contract was purchased from Triple-A. In corresponding moves, second baseman Joe Panik was officially placed on the 10-day DL with a left groin strain, righty Chris Stratton was sent down to Triple-A, and Hunter Strickland was moved from the 10-day to the 60-day DL.
[Updated Giants depth chart at Roster Resource]
Samardzija suffered some right shoulder tightness during a start on May 29 and ended up missing over a month of action while recovering. The time off could serve as a virtual reset on Samardzija’s season, as he had a 6.56 ERA and almost as many walks (23) as strikeouts (26) in eight starts and 35 2/3 IP prior to his injury. Injuries have plagued San Francisco’s rotation for much of the year, though the Giants finally have their projected top three of Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, and Samardzija all active at the same time. The rotation could go from a problem area to a strength for the Giants in the pennant race, particularly since Andrew Suarez and Dereck Rodriguez have both pitched well in fill-in duty. Indeed, it was Stratton rather than Rodriguez who was sent down to Triple-A to make room for Samardzija’s return.
d’Arnaud signed a minor league deal back in January and now get his first taste of big league action in 2018. He’ll take Alen Hanson’s spot as the utilityman while Hanson gets more regular duty filling in for Panik at second base. Versatility has been the watchword for d’Arnaud over his six MLB seasons, as the 31-year-old has played at least one game at every position except pitcher and catcher.
Would rather have Stratton, tbh. Sorry Shark, prove me wrong!
Jeff Samardzija win loss record number are insane.
Almost to 100 losses
He’d played for some really bad cubs teams while he was still a developing pitcher. Wouldn’t judge him on that, he’s very inconsistent. Could give you 7 shutout, or can’t escape the 3rd. Never know which Jeff ya get.
He may be the unluckiest pitcher in baseball.
Especially discount 2017, where he had the worst OF (Not a hyperbole, 2017 OF was WORST OF all MLB)
I’m not even a Giants’ fan!
69-91 win-loss record but has a 12 WAR. That’s crazy.
he played for the awful tanking Cubs for a while and had a horrible season with the White Sox.
Its not really crazy at all. Win loss records are no indication of a pitchers worth.
12 WAR over 11 seasons and 1400+ career innings isn’t very impressive…. and I’m a Notre Dane fan!
No worries if you missed Fireworks Night…. The San Francisco Giants will once again be having a fireworks show on the mound every fifth day folks. A very expensive fireworks show.
Chris Stratton needed that. The dude had one of best curveballs in the mlb last year, his RPS was the most in the NL. To add to that his slider was also a plus offering along with his decent fastball. The RPS on his pitches last year were really good. This year his RPS has dropped dramatically and his curveball has been absolutely garbage and his fastball is even worse. Poor dude almost had his struggle filled career working out. Dave righetti was the one who fixed Stratton, but he’s gone
His curveball and slider were actually fine his first few starts, but after he hit the paternity leave he literally fell apart. He had a nice June, I believe his ERA was under 3, and stringed together several quality starts before hitting Coors Field. I think if he doesn’t get a spot in the rotation, he should be optioned to AA to regain his confidence. Just don’t immediately send him down to the PCL, or move him to the bullpen, because the dude has mad potential.
Nah he had an okay June 3.50 era. But he pitching against the dbacks, padres, and marlins. Among the worst offenses in the MLB