SF Giants outright one lefty reliever, lose another in waiver claim to the Mets

The SF Giants moved a pair of lefty relievers off of the 40-man roster over the All-Star break. Kolton Ingram was outrighted to Sacramento, whereas Alex Young was claimed off of waivers by the New York Mets according to the team's transaction log.

SF Giants outright one lefty reliever, lose another in waiver claim to the Mets

There had been no prior announcement that either player was on waivers, but that can happen from time to time. The moves bring the 40-man roster down to 38.

The Giants have several players nearing a return from the 60-day injured list. Both Robbie Ray and Alex Cobb are in the midst of rehab assignments and the expectation is that they will be back before the end of the month. Even Ethan Small and Tom Murphy are not far behind in returning from injury. Small has already begun a rehab assignment with the ACL Giants.

The Giants will need openings on the 40-man roster to bring those veterans back and they seemingly accomplished that with these recent moves. Both Ingram and Young joined the organization recently. Despite being on the 40-man roster, neither pitcher made an appearance with San Francisco.

Ingram came over to the Giants in a waiver claim from the St. Louis Cardinals at the beginning of the month. The lefty pitcher has made three appearances with the Sacramento River Cats, allowing two earned runs in three innings. He will remain with the Triple-A club.

On the other hand, Young came over to the Giants in a surprise trade that sent veteran outfielder Austin Slater to the Cincinnati Reds. The Giants had some familiarity with Young as he worked out of the bullpen down the stretch in 2022. He did well in that role as he posted a 2.39 ERA in 26.1 innings while not allowing a home run.

However, he was non-tendered by the club in the offseason. Young caught on with the Reds where he posted a 3.72 ERA in 66 outings over the past two seasons. Despite the solid ERA, his numbers come with a 4.85 FIP during that stretch, so he may have had some luck in his favor.

The 30-year-old has been optioned to Triple-A by the Mets and will serve as a depth option until a need arises.