SAN FRANCISCO — After Trevor McDonald’s latest eye-opening performance in the big leagues, Giants manager Tony Vitello said he wasn’t sure what the next step would be for the right-hander.

“We’ll see what everybody’s fate is come tomorrow and the next day and the next day,” he said of the pitching decisions.

Tomorrow brought a return to Triple-A for McDonald, who allowed just two hits and struck out eight over seven one-run innings Monday. 

The move was not really a surprise, as the Giants want to keep McDonald stretched out as a starter, and right now they don’t have an opening in their rotation. He was optioned to open a spot for reliever Joel Peguero, who had finished his rehab assignment. 

Vitello said the staff wants both McDonald and Blade Tidwell to be available as starters. Tidwell showed promise when he spent some time in the bullpen last month, but he also is back in Triple-A. The two right-handers, along with lefty Carson Whisenhunt, are the next line of defense for the rotation.

“Those guys will be ready to go,” Vitello said.

Vitello said he spent some time with McDonald well after Monday’s game, going over the impressive start. He mentioned on Tuesday that McDonald’s ability to throw strikes and his toughness will make him a good starter.

“Those are also two things you want your bullpen to have, too,” he said. “I’m kind of always leaving things open, but he’s a starting pitcher, and we need him to maintain that role.”

The Giants had 10 different pitchers make at least three starts last season, but through 35 games, they have had the same five guys. Adrian Houser has a 7.12 ERA but also is just six starts into a two-year contract. The right-hander will take the ball in Wednesday’s series finale. 

The staff considered using McDonald as a reliever late in camp, which led to some low pitch counts early in the Triple-A season. It’s possible they revisit that at some point, and Vitello noted after Monday’s strong start that McDonald has all the tools to be a high-leverage reliever, but for now he’ll stay stretched out and wait for an opening.

“We (might) get to a point where we’ve got to do this or that,” Vitello said. “But for now, I think in the long run, he profiles as a starting pitcher in this organization.”

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