Hard-throwing SF Giants pitching prospect expected to pitch in 2025

Not long ago, SF Giants pitching prospect R.J. Dabovich looked like a potential leverage reliever for the club. After being sidelined by injuries for much of the past two seasons, he expects to pitch in 2025.

Hard-throwing SF Giants pitching prospect expected to pitch in 2025

Dabovich made only four appearances with the Sacramento River Cats before undergoing hip surgery in 2023. At the time, there was some hope that he could return by the end of that season but it did not happen. That injury is known.

Last season mirrored the 2023 season. The 26-year-old reliever made four appearances with the River Cats before landing on the injured list without reason for the remainder of the year. Injuries to minor leaguers are not always made public. However, Dabovich told Around the Foghorn that he underwent an internal brace procedure after suffering a forearm injury.

The internal brace procedure has become an alternative to Tommy John surgery for some pitchers in recent years. The upside is that the injured elbow heals more efficiently with some pitchers able to return to the mound eight months following the procedure.

On the other hand, the recovery from Tommy John surgery can range from 12 - 18 months. Relievers can often return to the mound closer to that 12-month threshold, but it depends on the success of the recovery plan.

The 2022 season was Dabovich's last full healthy season and it was quite good as he posted a 3.51 ERA with 69 strikeouts against 26 walks in 51.1 frames split between Double-A and Triple-A. This did include a 4.38 ERA in 23 appearances with Sacramento but he still had a healthy strikeout rate (11.3 K/9) in a hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. The high strikeout totals have been characteristic of Dabovich's pro career thus far.

Prior to the injuries, Dabovich flashed a mid-90's fastball that had late, armside movement with a big curveball. The curveball movement has a life of its own at times but it can be pretty effective both as a swing-and-miss offering and chase pitch.

Dabovich did not give a timeline for his return but he does plan to pitch in 2025. He will be a name to watch this season if he is able to return to his pre-injury form.