Jarlin Garcia could be Giants secret weapon in bullpen

The bullpen competition is wide open for the San Francisco Giants, and newcomer Jarlin Garcia could prove to be a secret weapon.

The San Francisco Giants have several bullpen spots up for grabs this spring, and that means an open competition during Cactus League play.

Could Jarlin Garcia fly under-the-radar and become a secret weapon for the Giants in 2020?

Last Friday, while pitching against the Colorado Rockies, Garcia looked un-hittable.

As a lefty who can easily throw in the mid-90s, Garcia definitely looks like a solid pickup after he was claimed on the waiver wire during the offseason. He might end up being a huge steal for the team, especially given how weak their bullpen appears to be as of right now.

Pitching for the Miami Marlins last season, he had a 3.02 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 53 appearances.

Giants team president Farhan Zaidi was in the booth discussing Garcia with Shawn Estes and Jon Miller and said he wasn’t a big strikeout guy. Seemingly out of spite, Garcia struck out two of the three batters he retired in that appearance.

The Marlins decision to cut him loose in the first place as a bit puzzling, but he’s on the Giants now, and that’s all that matters.

It is well within the realm of possibility for Garcia to have a stellar spring and pitch his way onto the Opening Day roster.

Plus, with a dearth of left-handed options in the bullpen, he would provide some much-needed balance in an NL West division that features plenty of tough left-handed hitters.

There is still a long way to go this spring, but if Garcia can keep turning in solid performances, it would not be the least bit surprising to see him on the Opening Day roster. And if he does make the team, he could end up being a big part of a bullpen that will need all of the help it can get.