Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dereck Rodriguez doesn’t know what’s next, but he was happy with his surroundings.
The right-hander was on the taxi squad Wednesday, greeting many around the clubhouse with hugs, and is expected to start Thursday, though the Giants have not announced anything. The Giants listed Jeff Samardzija as Friday’s starter in Arizona and Madison Bumgarner as Sunday’s, with holes to fill Thursday and Saturday.
Rodriguez, whose start at Triple-A Sacramento was skipped and last pitched last Wednesday, is the logical choice for Thursday. Logan Webb, the No. 5 prospect who’s made just one start at Sacramento, is an intriguing option for Saturday, but Bochy deferred any announcements.
Rodriguez, who arrived a few hours before the homestand finale against the A’s, said he hasn’t been told anything. But he’s trying to put a happier face on the difficult yo-yo ride between the minors and majors.
“I was frustrated last time but it is what is is. It’s part of the game. You just got to adapt,” said Rodriguez, who vented after his Aug. 2 start about difficulty finding a groove with so little consistency.
After a solid rookie season, Rodriguez fell out of the rotation this year and is trying to work himself back. He has a 5.32 ERA in 19 games (10 starts).
Johnny Cueto will start for High-A San Jose on Thursday, Bochy saying he’ll throw about 45 pitches. Bochy wasn’t sure exactly how many rehab starts he would need — “maybe four, maybe five, we’ll see where we’re at.” The plan is still for a September return.
The Giants lost the recently DFA’d Ryan Dull to the Yankees, who claimed him. The Giants had claimed the righty reliever from the A’s and tried to sneak him through waivers.