SF Giants: Familiar Name Returns, Starter Added to Injured List

The SF Giants made a couple of roster moves over the weekend to supplement their pitching depth. The team claimed right-handed pitcher Jordan Humphreys off of waivers from Cleveland. To make room for the new addition, Tyler Beede was placed on the 60-day injured list.

SF Giants make waiver claim, place starter on the injured list

Humphreys may not be the most recognizable name to Giants fans, but he was an early-season acquisition that represented the truly bizarre nature of the 2020 season. He was placed on waivers by the New York Mets as the season got underway and the Giants acquired him in exchange for speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton. Following the season though, the Giants designated him for assignment and he was claimed by Cleveland.

The right-handed hurler was drafted in the 18th round of the 2015 draft out of Crystal River High School, but he has very little mileage on his arm. In four minor-league seasons, he has registered 2.60 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, and a 5.90 SO/W ratio across 169.2 frames.

He has never pitched above Single-A and missed the entire 2018 season due to Tommy Surgery. Of course, there was no minor league season in 2020 as well, so there might still be a lot of development for Humphreys left to realize.

Eric Logenhagen and Kiley McDaniel believe that the righty has the potential to be a back-end starter:

“Humphreys works with three pitches that are all average to slightly above to go with similar command, but his control is above average. The upside is as a No. 4 starter and the reasonable expectation is more of a No. 5 starter, spot starter, or long reliever.”

In fact, our own Marc Delucchi ranked Humphreys among the top 31 prospects in the Giants system.

The Giants front office targets pitchers who command their arsenal well in the strike zone and Humphreys’ 5.90 SO/W ratio is a strong indicator of being able to do that. He flashes a low-90’s fastball with a slider and an occasional changeup, so he is not going to overpower opposing hitters with his stuff.

On the other hand of the transaction, the Giants transferred Beede to the 60-day injured list to enable him to continue rehabbing his right arm after undergoing Tommy John Surgery 11 months ago. The recovery time from Tommy John surgery is typically 12-18 months. He’s expected to factor into the Giants pitching staff competition at some point this year though.

Beede’s progress has been encouraging as he is throwing bullpens in camp. Given that he is on the 60-day injured list, he cannot return until May 31 at the earliest. As the SF Giants gear up for the season, it is apparent that the 40-man roster is a fluid process as they continue to tinker with depth.