Five SF Giants Who Need to Begin Producing Now

SF Giants RHP Jeff Samardzija

San Francisco Giants fans were probably ready for a repeat of what they’ve seen from pitcher Jeff Samardzija in the past: a heavy dose of strikeouts while giving up a lot of long balls.

Nobody was expecting the abysmal 13.2 innings pitched over his first three starts this season. He’s consistently given up 5 earned runs in each start for a horrendous 9.88 ERA while allowing at least one home run in each of those games.

After his last appearance on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers, in which Samardzija gave up three home runs in 4.0 innings, he was placed on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement.

In the final season of a five-year, $90 million contract, the severity of the injury could determine whether or not the 35-year-old Samardzija has thrown his last pitch with the Giants.

He could remain out for the season or possibly be dealt. But neither are positive for the Giants.

If the pitcher is out for the remainder of the season, the Giants lose out on a trade chip and will likely part ways with the righty at the conclusion of the 2020 campaign while getting nothing in return.

But what good is a pitcher with a shoulder injury at the Aug. 31 trade deadline?

The Giants need Samardzija to return to the mound fast in order to see what he can bring to the table in either scenario.