As the San Francisco Giants gear up for the upcoming baseball season, the most pivotal decisions during spring training will revolve around the configuration of their bullpen. While the team appears largely settled regarding their opening day lineup and starting rotation – with Landen Roupp solidifying his spot as the fifth starter – the bullpen remains a work in progress. Injuries have thinned out potential options, and at least two bullpen roles are still up for grabs.
However, one particular decision carries significant weight for the opening day roster and the team’s performance in the initial month of the season: the readiness of left-handed reliever Erik Miller.
A Quiet Decision with Big Ramifications
Erik Miller has been undergoing a gradual build-up this spring after sustaining an elbow sprain last season. His participation in the Giants’ spring training game on Friday marked his first appearance in Scottsdale, Arizona. Both the San Francisco organization and Miller are expressing optimism about his potential to be part of the bullpen on opening day.
Prior to his injury, Miller demonstrated impressive form. In 36 games, he compiled a 4-1 record with a 1.50 ERA, securing 10 holds. Over 30 innings pitched, he recorded 22 strikeouts against 20 walks, holding opposing batters to a .238 average.
Miller’s availability for opening day is a crucial factor for the Giants. Due to a series of injuries, Matt Gage stands as the only left-handed pitcher on the 40-man roster who has logged significant innings during spring training. This situation has led to a pronounced reliance on right-handed pitching for San Francisco. While Gage is a capable reliever, he cannot be expected to handle every left-on-left matchup early in the regular season.
Should Miller be ready to pitch, San Francisco would then have two left-handed options in their bullpen. If he is not deemed ready by the time the Giants host the Philadelphia Phillies on March 25, he would likely be placed on the 15-day injured list. Such a move would not only sideline Miller until early April but also necessitate the acquisition of another left-handed reliever to fill the innings he would have provided.
The Giants might find that option in veteran Joey Lucchesi, who recently signed a minor league deal. However, adding Lucchesi to the roster could have substantial implications for other players. Since he is not currently on the Major League roster, San Francisco would need to create a space on their 40-man roster to make him available for opening day.
There are two primary avenues for creating this roster spot:
- Moving a player to the 60-day injured list: This would free up a spot on the 40-man roster without immediately exposing another player to waivers.
- Designating a player for assignment: This process exposes a player to waivers, meaning other teams could claim him, or he could be outrighted to the minor leagues if unclaimed.
If Miller is unavailable, it could significantly impact several roster members and, more broadly, the Giants’ ability to effectively manage left-on-left matchups during the season’s opening weeks. This seemingly quiet roster decision holds considerable weight for the team’s early-season strategy and success.
