2 key pitchers set to return for SF Giants

Two key SF Giants pitchers are set to return. Both Anthony DeSclafani (shoulder) and Luke Jackson (back) were sent to the ACL Giants Orange for rehab assignments according to the team's transaction log.

2 key pitchers set to return for SF Giants

In the case of DeSclafani, his rehab assignment already took place. The veteran pitcher completed four scoreless innings for the ACL Giants Orange on July 13. He is slated to be activated just in time for Tuesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds.

DeSclafani was placed on the injured list with shoulder fatigure earlier this month. Given that his missed minimal time, there was no need for an extended rehab assignment.

The 33-year-old's overall numbers do not look bad as he has posted a 4.44 ERA, 4.12 FIP, 1.18 WHIP, 6.9 K/9, and a 4.00 SO/W ratio in 17 starts for the Giants in 2023. However, he has hit a rough patch as he has tallied a 5.96 ERA in his last 10 starts before landing on the injured list.

DeSclafani missed most of last year after undergoing season-ending ankle surgery, so his expected workload could become a factor down the stretch. He completed just 19 innings last year and is already at 93.1 frames for 2023.

The Giants' rotation has endured high volatility in terms of performance this season. Logan Webb and Alex Cobb have done well to anchor the rotation, but the starters outside of those two have not been consistently reliable. The Giants hope that DeSclafani can help fortify the back end of the rotation.

On the other hand, Luke Jackson may need a longer rehab assignment. The hard-throwing reliever has been out since the end of June with a back strain. He missed the first part of the season as he recovered from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in April of 2022.

With the Giants, Jackson quickly proved to be an asset in the bullpen. The eight-year veteran yielded just two earned runs with 10 strikeouts against two walks in 8.1 frames. He relies on a mid-90's four-seam fastball with a slider that is tough on opposing hitters.

The bullpen has been a strength this season, so the return of Jackson should give Giants manager Gabe Kapler yet another leverage reliever.