© Cary Edmondson | USA Today
Following a nightmare, three-game sweep by the Cincinnati Reds, the Giants have made a host of pitching changes. Over the last two games, the team allowed 18 runs and had to put utility man Chase d’Arnaud on the mound yesterday in order to avoid diving deeper into the bullpen. D’Arnaud, by the way, was the only pitcher besides Hunter Strickland to have a shutout appearance.
Ahead of a four-game series in New York against the Mets, the Giants moved Ray Black back down to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats and called up Derek Law. Chris Stratton has not been officially called up, but is expected to make a start tomorrow. Stratton made his last start August 3 against the Arizona Diamondbacks and lasted just three innings, while walking four batters and giving up six earned runs. According to Alex Pavlovic, Stratton worked with Ryan Vogelsong on his mechanics.
Chris Stratton is here on taxi squad to start tomorrow. He said Ryan Vogelsong helped him fix a mechanical flaw while he was in Triple-A.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) August 20, 2018
The move to put Black back down in Triple-A also appears to be a way to manage his innings following some tough outings. It also opened up the room to call up Law. Meanwhile, Dereck Rodriguez will return to the starting pitching rotation on Friday after a short stint on the 10-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain which he sustained in the Giants-Dodgers brawl last Tuesday.
Dereck Rodriguez will slide back into the rotation Friday. Bochy said Black was sent down to get a fresh arm here, but also to be careful with Black’s arm and not overwork him. He’ll be back.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) August 20, 2018
Finally, Jeff Samardzija is making progress on his rehab, but will start for the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels rather than the River Cats, according to Kerry Crowley.
Jeff Samardzija will start for Double-A Richmond Wednesday instead of Triple-A Sacramento. Scheduled to make two rehab starts before returning.
— Kerry Crowley (@KO_Crowley) August 20, 2018