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The Giants roster that broke camp in late-February was different than Giants rosters in recent years. The players acquired this offseason created plenty of depth at key positions, which has not always been the case. The area with the most major league ready depth was the starting rotation. The Giants have at least eight major league ready starters who can be used throughout the year, but with the season quickly approaching in just three weeks, Bruce Bochy needs to decide which five will open the season in the rotation.
With the additions of Drew Pomeranz, Derek Holland and the fact that Chris Stratton is out of options, there was speculation that second-year starter Dereck Rodriguez could begin the year in Triple-A Sacramento. This afternoon, Bruce Bochy put an end to the speculation.
Giants haven’t finalized rotation and want to keep competition going, but Bochy said Rodriguez is in it. Would seem to be set, with Bum, Samardzija, Holland and Pomeranz. Staff will continue to evaluate.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) March 9, 2019
With three weeks remaining, the Giants still have plenty of time to decide on what rotation they want to deploy to begin the season. Because Madison Bumgarner, Jeff Samardzija, Holland, and Pomeranz are likely to lock down four spots, the fifth spot could be the only one up for grabs.
Because Stratton is out of options, the Giants need to have him on their opening day roster if they want to hold onto him. Both Stratton and Rodriguez have thrown the ball fairly well this spring, and if they continue to pitch well, maybe they can force one of Holland or Pomeranz out of the starting five. Because the bullpen is already so crowded, it’s hard to imagine any additional starters will be used as relievers with Ty Blach filling the long-man role.
The decision on what five pitchers will begin the year in the rotation will likely come right before opening day. Bruce Bochy will get a long look at all of his options over the course of the next few weeks before making his final decision.