SF Giants place closer Jake McGee on IL, recall Jay Jackson

The SF Giants placed closer Jake McGee on the 10-day injured list retroactive to September 14 with a right oblique strain and recalled right-handed pitcher Jay Jackson on Friday. Manager Gabe Kapler told reporters that the team expects McGee to return to the bullpen before the end of the regular season.

The SF Giants placed Jake McGee on the IL with an oblique strain.

McGee has been very effective as the Giants closer this season. While he’s had some notable late-game implosions, the veteran reliever has recorded 31 saves this season, posting a 2.72 ERA with 58 strikeouts against just 10 walks in 59.2 innings of work. However, the 35-year old has struggled with higher usage.

McGee’s overall numbers have been fairly consistent this year, but a cursory look at his strikeout rate raises some red flags. Although McGee struck out 36.1% of opposing hitters in his first 17 innings of work this season, his strikeout rate has been just 19.2% since and dropped to an abysmal 13.7% rate over his last 10 appearances. With the postseason on the horizon, the Giants may be using the injured list to give one of their most important relievers a short rest before the final weeks of the season.

The SF Giants recalled Jay Jackson from Triple-A.

An offseason minor-league free agent signing, Jackson has emerged as a fantastic bullpen depth piece for the Giants. After missing the start of the season with a hamstring injury, Jackson struck out 20 batters in 12 shutout innings at Triple-A before he was promoted to San Francisco. While he’s been optioned and recalled multiple times since he’s generally continued traveling with the team even when not on the active roster. In 22 appearances with the Giants, Jackson has recorded 10 walks, 26 strikeouts, and a 3.92 ERA in 20.2 innings pitched this season.

The SF Giants will not have closer Jake McGee for at least the next seven days, hoping the rest can help him rekindle his early-season form just in time for the playoffs. In the meantime, Jay Jackson will work in his place out of the Giants bullpen.