The San Francisco Giants are in the thick of their bullpen decision-making process, and it’s shaping up to be a nail-biter. As the final exhibition games loom, the competition has intensified, especially after Trevor McDonald’s challenging performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday.
McDonald had been cruising through spring training, impressing with every appearance. However, his latest outing saw him give up two earned runs in just one inning, courtesy of a two-run homer.
While it wasn’t a meltdown, it was a departure from his previous form. Notably, he was deployed in the seventh inning as a reliever, a shift from his usual role as a starter, which he showcased in a four-inning start against the Chicago White Sox.
This tactical change might be a test by the coaching staff to gauge McDonald's potential in a late-inning role. His fastball velocity certainly makes him a candidate for such a position, despite his background as a starter in the minors.
Prior to Wednesday, McDonald seemed like a lock for the Opening Day roster. That door isn’t closed, but with other pitchers stepping up their game, his position is less certain.
Adding complexity to the situation is Hayden Birdsong’s elbow injury, which opens up a spot in Triple-A Sacramento’s rotation. With Carson Whisenhunt, Carson Seymour, and Blade Tidwell already penciled in, the Giants might consider keeping McDonald as a starter in the minors, allowing him to stay stretched out rather than adjusting to a bullpen role.
The Giants’ bullpen is likely to feature other multi-inning options like Spencer Bivens and JT Brubaker, reducing the immediate need for McDonald in a long-relief capacity. Yet, despite his hiccup against the Dodgers, McDonald remains a strong contender for the roster, and the battle for those coveted bullpen spots is tighter than ever.