Matchup struggles likely point to a different role for SF Giants rookie pitcher

SF Giants rookie Matt Wilkinson has quickly demonstrated extreme platoon splits against right-handed hitters. While they are having him work out of the rotation, it likely points to more of a situational lefty role down the road.

On Friday night, the southpaw pitcher was roughed up for seven runs, including four earned runs, across three innings. He also yielded three home runs in his latest outing.

All of the damage came against right-handed hitters. The Mets stacked their lineup with seven right-handed bats, and that strategy paid off.

As a starter, that is an approach Wilkinson will likely face going forward. This may have been a game where the Giants would have been better suited by going with an opener, and trying to create a softer landing for the young pitcher.

SF Giants rookie Matt Wilkinson has struggled against right-handed bats in the early going

Who knows how long the Giants will continue to stretch Wilkinson out of the rotation. He has only made four starts, so it is too early for them to really make any changes. Plus, the Giants are so light on pitching, they just need innings at this point.

Teams will allow pitchers to pitch into their role, whether that is in the rotation or bullpen. Their preference is often to stretch them out as starters, and if that does not work, then to move them to the bullpen. That is due to a combination of stuff, control, or durability.

Wilkinson has the control, as he went 11.2 innings before allowing his first walk. He has the durability, as he has reached at least 100 combined innings in each of the past three seasons. The stuff might be the question mark.

The left-handed pitcher throws a low 90's four-seamer that he pairs with a low 80's changeup and high 70's slider. All of these pitches grade out as below-average offerings. He relies more on pitchability and deception. His delivery adds some level of deception due to above-average extension and a low release point.

That makes it tough for left-handed hitters to pick up the ball out of Wilkinson's hand. On the other hand, right-handed bat see his offerings just fine. In the very early going, he has shown extreme platoon splits. Wilkinson has allowed a 1.032 OPS against right-handed hitters, and .154 OPS against left-handed hitters.

Left-handed hitters only have one hit in 13 at-bats against Wilkinson. That is a matchup where he has excelled. Including his time in the minors and majors in 2026, Wilkinson has allowed just a .359 OPS against left-handed bats.

If these platoon splits continue, that likely points to a situational lefty role down the road. The Giants will allow him to try to work out of it, but there could be some utility for him on the roster. The trick will be finding ways to get right-handed hitters out, even if that comes out of the bullpen.

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