The San Francisco Giants are entering camp with a relatively clean bill of health, but there’s a small hiccup with reliever Joel Peguero. Known for his blazing fastball, Peguero is dealing with a tight hamstring, which will limit his activity initially. This cautious approach is smart-after all, it’s February, and there’s no need to rush things when Opening Day is still a ways off.
Buster Posey has hinted at a wide-open competition for bullpen roles, including the coveted closer spot. The Giants find themselves with a surplus of middle relievers but are in need of those high-leverage arms that can shut down tight games.
Last season, the bullpen struggled down the stretch, largely due to trades and injuries. The departures of Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers at the trade deadline, coupled with Erik Miller’s injury and Randy Rodríguez’s Tommy John surgery, left the bullpen in a precarious state.
Rodríguez is not expected back this season, but there’s optimism around Miller, who should be ready to return. He’s shown a knack for handling left-handed hitters, holding them to a .527 OPS over his two years in the majors.
As for the rest of the bullpen, it’s anyone’s game. Spencer Bivens, Ryan Walker, Matt Gage, and José Buttó are among the familiar faces from last year. The Giants have also bolstered their bullpen with some new signings, including Sam Hentges, and added depth with Jason Foley and Rowan Wick, though Wick is sidelined for the season following Tommy John surgery.
Non-roster invitees like Michael Fulmer and Gregory Santos bring major league experience and could make a case for themselves with strong performances in the Cactus League.
The closer role is particularly intriguing, with Peguero and Walker likely vying for the spot. Walker’s experience is a plus, but Peguero’s ability to hit triple digits on the radar gun makes him an exciting option for high-leverage situations. Despite his electrifying velocity, Peguero is still carving out his path in the majors, boasting a 2.42 ERA with 17 strikeouts over 22.1 innings.
As the Giants gear up for the season, the bullpen’s composition will be a key storyline to watch. With plenty of competition and roles up for grabs, it’s shaping up to be an intriguing spring for San Francisco.
