The Royals have claimed right-hander Spencer Bivens off waivers from the Giants and optioned him to Triple-A, Kansas City announced. San Francisco designated Bivens for assignment earlier this week.
Bivens lost his roster spot on Wednesday because of another waiver claim. The Giants added right-hander Duncan Davitt off waivers from the Braves. Bivens has spent his entire pro career with San Francisco. He’s pitched in parts of three big-league seasons.
The 32-year-old Bivens took a winding road to the majors. After two years pitching at Division II Rogers State, he found his way into independent ball. The righty pitched in various outfits in 2020 and 2021. Bivens latched on with the Giants in 2022. He moved quickly through the system. A 2.92 ERA and eight saves at Triple-A in 2024 earned him his first big-league promotion.
Bivens has been an off-and-on member of San Francisco’s bullpen since his debut. His most extensive work came last season, when he appeared in 54 games. Bivens typically operated as a multi-inning reliever, but he also chipped in three saves and four holds. The veteran righty was limited to just four appearances this season. His most recent stint in the majors consisted of two games. Bivens gave up four earned runs in both outings.
Despite being a reliever, Bivens has an extensive arsenal. He’s thrown at least six different pitches in all three MLB seasons. The righty leans on a sinker about 40% of the time. He has two other fastballs (four-seamer, cutter), plus a changeup and two breaking balls. Bivens will head to Omaha and wait for a chance with his new club.
Photo courtesy of D. Ross Cameron, Imagn Images