Spring training was off to a bad start for SF Giants pitcher Hayden Birdsong, but they have now gotten even worse with the news that his elbow injury may require Tommy John surgery. It’s a huge blow for a young pitcher who had hopes that he could earn a roster spot this spring.

In light of the tough news on Birdsong, if he is out for an extended period of time that means other young pitchers in the organization need to step up to fill that void. Thankfully, they have some depth when it comes to young starters so the Birdsong injury news is not a complete disaster for the team. Let’s take a look at three young pitchers with added responsibility now.

3 young SF Giants pitchers who have more responsibility now

Trevor McDonald

So far in spring training, Trevor McDonald has been the most impressive of the young arms competing for a roster spot. He has a 1.80 ERA in 10 innings pitched and it certainly seems like he is trending towards making the Opening Day roster.

The Giants may be hoping that he can fill the role that Birdsong occupied to start last season. Birdsong made the team as a bullpen arm last season and was a nifty weapon to have since he could come in and pitch multiple innings in relief.

McDonald could be used in a similar way but he could also be a starter if the Giants suffer an injury in the rotation.

Carson Seymour

Another young arm competing for a roster spot in Carson Seymour. He has impressed since early in camp and has had solid results in Cactus League play, pitching to a 3.48 ERA in 10 and 1/3 innings pitched.

The Giants cannot, and really should not, carry all of their young starters on the Opening Day roster. Most of them should begin the year in Triple-A and be in the rotation for the Sacramento River Cats. That way they can stay stretched out and can be called upon to start in the case of injury so that seems like the most likely path for Seymour.

Blade Tidwell

The former ace of Tony Vitello at the University of Tennessee, Blade Tidwell looked like he was making a strong case for a roster spot early on in spring training but he has fallen off just a bit.

Expect him to factor into the equation at some point this season as he has flashed impressive stuff in Arizona, striking out 13 batters in 6 and 2/3 innings.

The Birdsong injury news is really unfortunate, but it does provide an opportunity for these other young pitchers so now is their time to step up.