SAN FRANCISCO – Another day, another Giants player got hurt and was out indefinitely.
In what has been a worrying and frustrating trend this season, pitcher Kyle Harrison was pulled from his start Sunday and placed on the 15-day injured list with a sprained right ankle, a day after being injured while throwing a bullpen session.
“Unfortunately it was bad enough that we had to suspend him,” manager Bob Melvin said before Sunday’s series finale against the Los Angeles Angels. “I’m not sure what the timing will be, but it’s not ideal.”
Harrison is the latest member of the Giants’ projected starting rotation to be injured. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell is on the disabled list for the second time this season with a groin injury. Alex Cobb (left hip surgery) and Robbie Ray (left elbow) have yet to pitch this season. Keaton Winn (forearm strain) has also spent time on the IL.
“It’s a blow,” Melvin said. “You’re always trying to talk about how you can never have too many starting pitchers. You’re seeing why. We have some guys coming back, although it will probably take a little time.
“Kyle has been very consistent with us. Meanwhile, he tried to find another way to avoid it. “We’ll probably see a little more bullpen, especially today.”
Harrison is 4-3 with a 3.96 ERA in 14 games this season. The 22-year-old left-hander won four of his first five decisions and was coming off a strong outing against the Houston Astros when he allowed one run and four hits in 6 1/3 innings.
With Harrison unavailable, San Francisco will have to lean even harder on an already overloaded bullpen. Erik Miller was scheduled to start in Harrison’s place on Sunday as the starter.
In a corresponding move, right-hander Spencer Bivens was called up from Triple-A Sacramento to make his major league debut. The 29-year-old pitcher, who went undrafted in college and spent time in France before signing with the Giants in 2022, had a 2.52 ERA in 39 1/3 innings for Sacramento before his call-up.
“You always feel good when someone makes their major league debut, but if you know the struggles and everything they’ve been through, this is really special,” Melvin said. “Whether it was the coaching staff when they came this morning to see the players, there are quite interesting days. Father’s Day, in general, finally manages to reach the big leagues. It really gives you goosebumps.”
The Giants made another roster move and released reliever Nick Ávila. Ávila had an 8.49 ERA in 11 2/3 innings this season.
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