Harrison’s injury comes at a bad time for the Giants pitching staff originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – The other day, another Giants player was injured and left indefinitely.
In what has been a worrying and frustrating trend this season, pitcher Kyle Harrison was benched early on Sunday and placed on the 15-day injured list with a sprained right ankle, the day after he was injured during a bullpen session.
“Unfortunately, it was bad enough that we had to cheat him,” manager Bob Melvin said before Sunday’s series finale against the Los Angeles Angels. “I’m not sure what the timing will be, but it’s not ideal.”
Harrison is the latest member of the Giants’ projected starting rotation to be injured. Two-time Cy Young Award Winner Blake Snell is on IL for the second time this season with a groin injury. Alex Cobb (left hip surgery) and Robbie Ray (left elbow) have yet to pitch this season. Keaton Winn (forearm strain) also spent time on the IL.
“It’s a scam,” Melvin said. “You’re always trying to talk about the fact that it never hurts to start pitching. You see why. We have some guys coming back, although it will probably take a while.
“Kyle has been very consistent for us. Meanwhile trying to figure out another way around this. We’ll probably see a little more bullpen, especially today.”
Harrison is 4-3 with a 3.96 ERA in 14 games this season. The 22-year-old lefty has won four of his first five decisions and was coming off a strong outing against the Houston Astros when he allowed one run and four hits in 6 1/3 innings.
With Harrison unavailable, San Francisco will have to rely even more on an already taxed bullpen. Erik Miller was scheduled to start in Harrison’s place on Sunday in the starting lineup.
In a corresponding move, right-hander Spencer Bivens was called up from Triple-A Sacramento to make his major league debut. The 29-year-old pitcher, who went undrafted in college and spent time in France before signing with the Giants in 2022, had a 2.52 ERA in 39 1/3 innings for Sacramento before his call-up.
“You always feel good about someone making their major league debut, but if you know the hardships and everything he went through, this one is really special,” Melvin said. “Whether it was the coaching staff when he came in this morning to see the players, it was a really cool few days ago. On Father’s Day, he finally makes it to the big leagues. That’s what really gives you goosebumps.”
The Giants made another roster move and released reliever Nick Avila. Avila had an 8.49 ERA in 11 2/3 innings this season.
