SF Giants activate veteran reliever from injured list, option to Triple-A

The SF Giants made a roster move on Saturday. Veteran reliever Austin Warren was activated from the 60-day injured list and he was optioned to Triple-A according to the team's transaction log.

SF Giants activate veteran reliever from injured list, option to Triple-A

No corresponding move was needed. The Giants released veteran shortstop Nick Ahmed earlier this week in a series of moves. They did not immediately fill that spot on the 40-man roster until they reinstated Warren from the injured list. The 40-man roster is now full.

The Giants will have some decisions to make in July as Robbie Ray, Alex Cobb, and Tom Murphy are all nearing a return. Both Ray and Cobb could return shortly after the All-Star break as they have both worked through their respective rehab assignments. On the other hand, Murphy appears to be a little further away.

That is a conversation for a different day. In the meantime, the Giants' bullpen will now have a reinforcement in Warren in Sacramento.

They originally signed the right-handed hurler as spring training got underway. He underwent Tommy John surgery in May of 2023. The recovery timeline ranges from 12 - 18 months with relievers usually able to return on the quicker end of that range.

Warren previously played with the Los Angeles Angels before he was released late in the offseason. In three seasons with Los Angeles, he recorded a 3.55 ERA, 3.75 FIP, 1.23 WHIP, 7.3 K/9, and a 3.10 SO/W rate. His best season came as a rookie where he tallied a 1.77 ERA in 20.1 frames. In total, he has accumulated 38 innings in the majors.

On the mound, Warren relies primarily on a slider that gets above-average, two-plane movement. It has been tough on opposing hitters as they have posted a .230 batting average against it. He has mixed in a four-seam fastball, sinker, changeup, and cutter but to varied results.

Part of the appeal in signing Warren was that he has two minor league options remaining. The Giants value that type of roster flexibility. Plus, the bullpen has struggled to a 4.30 ERA while leading the league with 396 innings pitched. They could use some more help and Warren will be part of that mix in the second half of the season.