Harrison ‘feels great’ physically despite high MLB workload originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO — Giants left-handed pitcher Kyle Harrison has tripled his career-high previous MLB inning count this season, but the young lefty remains in good spirits about his ability to finish 2024 strong.
Harrison threw five innings San Francisco defeat 4-3 to the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night at Oracle Park, allowing six hits, three earned runs and two walks with five strikeouts.
While the Giants suffered their third consecutive one-run loss in as many games, Harrison went five innings for the first time since July 26, offering an encouraging comeback after allowing eight earned runs in 8 1/3 innings in his previous two starts. .
Harrison detailed that a change in his routine allowed him to turn a corner physically, offering optimism that he can finish the season strong as San Francisco seeks a spot in the MLB playoffs.
“I think I went through a period where I wasn’t feeling well, but I cleaned some things out of my routine, the body feels great,” Harrison said. “Today I felt good and yes, I’m going to stick with it. There’s still a season left, so I have to put my head down and go.”
“I still have a lot of season left, so I have to put my head down and go.”
Kyle Harrison explains what the mindset should be after tonight’s loss pic.twitter.com/ixMKKveCup
– SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) August 14, 2024
After Tuesday’s game, Harrison is just two innings away from surpassing his professional career-high 113, which he set while pitching in the minors for Eugene and Richmond during the 2022 season.
With the Giants 3 1/2 games back of the final National League wild card spot in a crowded MLB playoff raceHarrison’s ability to be available every five days will be crucial if San Francisco has any chance of excelling in the postseason.
As of now, there is optimism that the young lefty will be able to do that, but unless the Giants’ bats wake up, it won’t matter what Harrison and the rest of the pitching staff do in the future.