Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson had to change teams recently as the key prospect who went from the Cleveland Guardians to the San Francisco Giants in the Patrick Bailey trade.
Wilkinson didn’t actually have to change leagues, though. He’s still in the Double-A Eastern League, just pitching for Richmond now instead of Akron.
And in his first start for the Flying Squirrels, Wilkinson was sharp.
He went five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out six.
His season ERA is 1.35.
And he looked good doing it:
Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson in his @GoSquirrels and #SFGiants debut today in Erie: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 SO
Lowers his season ERA to 1.35, which is the lowest in the Eastern League pic.twitter.com/brAetQMX0p
— Trey Wilson (@treywilson757) May 13, 2026
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Wilkinson and a first-round pick went to the Giants from the Guardians to Bailey.
In the specific case of Wilkinson, he’s going to be one of those guys who has to prove the analysts wrong.
Wilkinson is a big dude — thus, “Tugboat — but his main trait is that he just gets guys out.
He hasn’t been a high-ranking prospect, but the longer he continues to be tough to hit, the more respect he’ll get.
The Giants took a chance here that Wilkinson’s ability to put up zeroes in the minor leagues may eventually translate in the majors.
For now, Wilkinson is in Richmond, and he hasn’t skipped a beat.
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