SF Giants Rumor: Interest in RHP Following Workout

On the heels of reportedly signing infielder Tommy La Stella, the SF Giants continue to survey the market for bullpen help and one name is coming to the surface.

The SF Giants are among the teams interested in right-handed hurler Spencer Patton after observing a recent workout, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. The Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays, and Texas Rangers are among the other interested suitors.

Patton was originally drafted by the Royals in the 24th round of the 2011 draft out of Southern Illinois University.

SF Giants have Interest in Spencer Patton

Following a trade to the Texas Rangers, the right-handed hurler debuted with the club in 2014 where he yielded just one earned run with eight strikeouts in 9.1 frames. He struggled in the ensuing two seasons where he registered a 7.35 ERA, 5.28 FIP, 1.54 WHIP, and a 1.92 SO/W ratio in 45.1 innings before being cut loose by the Chicago Cubs.

When he was in the majors, Patton flashed a fastball that sits in the low-90’s with a slider and changeup. The Giants have had a knack for targeting pitchers who lean heavily on the slider this offseason (Ex: Matt Wisler, John Brebbia).

Following his stint with the Cubs, Patton immediately caught on with the Yokohama Bay Stars of the Japanese Central League and Japanese Eastern League. In six seasons spread across two leagues, the Southern Illinois University product generated a 3.28 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and a 10.8 K/9 in 250 plate appearances while working exclusively out of the bullpen.

We have seen several instances of pitchers struggling when they were young, going overseas, and returning to see a lot of success. Miles Mikolas of the St. Louis Cardinals is one example that comes to mind. Patton hopes to be the next in line.

The Giants do appear to have an opening for a right-handed reliever with only Reyes Moronta, Tyler Rogers, and Wisler as the other alternatives. That said, Dominic Leone and Jay Jackson are a couple of relievers on minor-league deals who could compete for a roster spot as well. Furthermore, Brebbia should return by midseason after needing Tommy John surgery in 2019.

San Francisco is still in need of some bullpen depth as the relievers on the 40-man roster are light with experience. Scouting Patton suggests that the Giants continue to look for ways to build up the organization’s base with intriguing, under-the-radar arms. They will need as many arms as they can get to drudge through a 162-game season.