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New SF Giants closer is struggling to adjust to 9th inning duties

Those final three outs really are a different beast.
ByNick San Miguel|
Aug 18, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Randy Rodriguez (73) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images
Aug 18, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Randy Rodriguez (73) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images | David Frerker-Imagn Images

When the SF Giants shook up their bullpen by trading both Tyler Rogers and Camilo Doval, Randy Rodríguez was the natural choice to replace Doval in the ninth inning. So far, he has struggled a bit to adjust to closer duties.

Rodríguez looked un-hittable at time in the first half of the season which earned him an All-Star nod, an impressive feat since he was not a closer at the time. However, in the second half and especially since his elevation to the closer role he has looked much more like a mortal.

New SF Giants closer Randy Rodríguez adjusting to new role

In the young right-hander's last 15 outings, he has a 3.68 ERA in 14 and 2/3 innings pitched with 15 strikeouts compared to five walks. His last seven games have been even rougher with a 6.43 ERA. He has blown two saves and was the losing pitcher in another game during that span.

His overall numbers on the season are still very impressive. He has a 1.63 ERA in 49 appearances with a WHIP of 0.89. He has converted four of his seven save opportunities. Yet, even when he does record a save like he did the other night against the San Diego Padres, it does not come easy.

This seems to be just another reminder that the final three outs of a game are often the toughest to record. It is not easy for a pitcher to have to adjust to the closer mentality that is required in the middle of a season. Ryan Walker had to do it last year and he definitely seemed a little nervous or overly amped when he first took over closer duties but he eventually grew into the role.

San Francisco Chronicle reporter Susan Slusser noted on a recent KNBR appearance that Rodríguez has had some struggles but seems to be growing into the role: "He has had a rough outing or two. So I think now he's gotten his feet wet. I think he's getting a little bit more comfortable with it.”

It is going to be an adjustment for any pitcher, so it may just take Rodríguez a little bit more time before he can truly master being a closer. He clearly has the raw stuff to close out games, but the mental hurdle will be the biggest obstacle.

With Doval gone, the Giants are really counting on Rodríguez to be their guy in the ninth going forward. The rest of this season is a great opportunity for him to fully adjust to his new role despite some early struggles.

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