With Spring Training underway for the San Francisco Giants, this time of year brings opportunity across the roster.
Veterans look to sharpen their form ahead of the regular season, while younger players and depth pieces aim to solidify roles on the big-league club.
Advertisement
One of the most competitive areas entering camp is the back end of the starting rotation.
Several pitchers are expected to compete for the fifth starter spot, including right-hander Hayden Birdsong, who made multiple starts for the Giants last season but struggled to maintain consistency.
Birdsong entered camp looking to make an early impression, but ran into trouble in his first outing against the Seattle Mariners.
On Saturday, Birdsong was tagged for five runs and recorded just one out before being pulled, an outcome that certainly wasn’t ideal for either the pitcher or the club.
While Spring Training statistics rarely tell the full story, early outings still matter when pitchers are competing for defined roles.
Advertisement
Another arm in the mix is Landon Roupp, who showed improvement late last season and remains a candidate to earn rotation consideration.
With manager Tony Vitello evaluating multiple options, each appearance this spring will play a role in shaping the final roster decisions.
Looking at the offensive front…
Despite the early struggles on the mound, the Giants saw encouraging production from newly signed outfielder Harrison Bader, who emerged as the game’s top performer.
Bader finished 1-for-3 with a double and two RBIs against the Mariners, providing an early glimpse of the defensive-minded outfielder’s ability to contribute offensively as well.
Prospect Bryce Eldridge also had a productive afternoon, going 1-for-3 with an RBI while reaching base an additional time after being hit by a pitch.
Advertisement
His continued development remains one of the more intriguing storylines in camp. Outfielder Heliot Ramos added a hit of his own, finishing 1-for-2.
The Giants ended up winning the game 10-5, but the result matters far less than the individual evaluations taking place throughout camp.
For players like Bader, strong early performances can help establish momentum heading toward Opening Day, while pitchers such as Birdsong will look to rebound quickly as competition for roster spots continues.
Don’t miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It’s completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Advertisement
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!