San Francisco Giants: Five under-the-radar starting pitching targets

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WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 19: Jeremy Hellickson #58 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the second inning at Nationals Park on May 19, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

RHP Jeremy Hellickson

Another proven veteran coming off a down year, Jeremy Hellickson spent the 2019 season with the Washington Nationals. However, he is not on the playoff roster as the team gets set to play in the World Series.

The 32-year-old struggled to a 6.23 ERA and 1.72 WHIP in 39 innings spanning eight starts and one relief appearance. He spent much of the season on the injured list dealing with shoulder tendinitis.

Similar to Chacin, an increase in his walk rate contributed to his struggles, as he jumped from 2.0 to 4.6 BB/9. He was also prone to the long ball, giving up nine home runs for an ugly 2.1 HR/9 rate.

Also like Chacin, the 2018 season was much kinder to Hellickson.

In 19 starts, he went 5-3 with a 3.45 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over 91.1 innings, making good on a minor league deal and earning an incentive-laden one-year, $1.3 million deal last offseason.

With a clean bill of health, his command could return, and he could again be a useful back-of-the-rotation option.

If the San Francisco Giants think his control issues in 2019 were a result of his bum shoulder or a mechanical issue, he could be the perfect buy-low option to round out the starting staff.