San Francisco Giants: Who are the options for the fifth starter?

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Aug 6, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Matt Cain (18) throws to the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Cain will be entering 2017 in his last year of his 5yr/ 112mil contract. Once the ace of this staff, he will now be competing for the last spot in the rotation. Cain is a fan-favorite and was a huge factor in the Giants three championships. Because of that, and being the only veteran on the list, I believe Cain has a shot to start the year as the fifth starter.

The only problem is since 2013, Cain has been on a decline. From 2013-2016 Cain’s earned run average was not lower than 4.00 in any season. In the last three years Cain has only averaged 14 starts a year with 2016 being his most with 17 starts. In the summer of 2014 Matt Cain went on the disabled list for the first time in his career to have surgery on his elbow to remove bone chips. Since then, he has not been able to regain his old form and has been on DL three more times. Because he has the experience, Matt Cain will start Spring Training as the fifth starter. But, because of his inconsistencies to stay healthy and lack of contribution, it is possible Matt Cain starts the year in the bullpen.