SF Giants: Zack Littell Added in Series of Roster Moves

Before Friday’s game, the SF Giants made a series of roster moves that included adding an experienced reliever to the 26-man roster.

SF Giants: Zack Littell Added in Series of Roster Moves

The Giants announced that Zack Littell’s contract had been purchased and that outfielder Steven Duggar was recalled as well. To make room, infielder Jason Vosler was optioned and outfielder Skye Bolt was designated for assignment.

Of the moves announced, the addition of Littell was the most notable.  The right-handed hurler was selected in the 11th round of the 2013 draft by the Seattle Mariners out of Eastern Alamance High School in Haw River, North Carolina.

Following a pair of trades, Littell made his way to the Minnesota Twins where he debuted in 2018. In three seasons with Minnesota, the 25-year-old registered a 4.52 ERA, 5.42 FIP, 1.47 WHIP, 6.9 K/9, and a 2.13 SO/W ratio. This included a strong 2019 campaign in which he posted a 2.68 ERA across 37 frames.

However, he struggled to the tune of a 9.95 ERA in 6.1 innings of work in 2020 before being outrighted off of Minnesota’s 40-man roster. In February, the Giants signed Littell to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training. Interestingly, if it is a move that pays off, Littell could be a long-term addition as he is under team control until 2025.

The righty features a mid-90’s fastball that he pairs with a slider and an occasional changup. The slider is his best pitch and a pitch that will likely see an increase in usage with the Giants.

Behind Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers, San Francisco was short on reliable right-handed relievers and the hope is that Littell can become a leverage reliever. To make room, the Giants had to designate Skye Bolt for assignment. The switch-hitting outfielder only saw one plate appearance in a brief call-up, but now he hits the waiver wire.

Jason Vosler was optioned to make room for Steven Duggar, who was recalled on Friday. With Mike Yastrzemski hitting the injured list, the Giants wanted another glove-first outfielder that could fill in as a defensive replacement.