The Giants are trotting out their second bullpen game of the past three games in Coors Field, and they’ll be doing so with some new arms to deploy.
San Francisco selected veteran Shelby Miller and optioned rookie Cole Waites back down to Triple-A on Thursday. The roster move comes after SF optioned Sean Hjelle down in favor of the newly acquired Jharel Cotton.
Miller, 31, has pitched in nine MLB seasons — including an All-Star year in 2015 with Atlanta — but has spent most of 2022 as the River Cats’ closer. In Triple-A, he posted a 2.87 ERA and earned 12 saves.
San Francisco signed Miller on June 8, shortly after the Yankees released him. The journeyman could make his season debut Thursday against Colorado.
Waites’ demotion comes after he largely impressed in his first taste of the big leagues. In five games with the Giants, Waites allowed one earned run on five hits and four walks. He relied heavily on his fastball and needs to improve on a secondary weapon in order to become a reliable option going forward.
Miller and Cotton — whom the Giants signed earlier this week — will likely factor into Thursday’s series finale in Coors Field. Hjelle got sent down after pitching four strong innings because he likely wouldn’t be available to provide more for a few days.
John Brebbia is making his eighth start and MLB-leading 71st appearance to open the game. San Francisco is 7-9 in games without a traditional starting pitcher this year.
If and when Miller and Cotton appear, the Giants will match their franchise record for players in a season with 64.