SF Giants recall rookie pitcher Mason Black, send veteran hurler to Triple-A

As expected, the SF Giants recalled Mason Black ahead of Saturday's game against the Miami Marlins. In a corresponding move, veteran hurler Austin Warren was optioned to Triple-A according to the team's transaction log.

SF Giants recall rookie pitcher Mason Black, send veteran hurler to Triple-A

The Giants also confirmed that backstop Andrew Knapp cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Sacramento River Cats. Knapp's time with the club was brief as he was designated for assignment to make room for the return of Patrick Bailey.

Knapp tallied just one hit in six at-bats with San Francisco. He served as the backup catcher to Curt Casali with Bailey on the injured list.

Black will get another chance to prove what he can do with the Giants. He made four sporadic appearances with the club earlier this season. During that time, he posted an 8.79 ERA with 10 strikeouts against seven walks in 14.1 frames.

The rookie pitcher was much better with Sacramento this season. Overall, he has recorded a 4.59 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 9.3 K/9, and a 2.23 SO/W rate in 84.1 innings in Triple-A. This includes a stretch earlier this year where he posted a 1.01 ERA through his first six starts before earning a call up to the major league club.

Like many Giants pitchers, Black has been a better pitcher at home in Triple-A. Sacrament's home ballpark, Sutter Health Field, is one of the truer fields in the Pacific Coast League. Throwing on the road is a tough challenge as the environments are closer to Coors Field than most major league ballparks. That said, it is a task that pitchers must overcome.

On the mound, Black features a low 90's fastball with a slider and a developing changeup. Both the fastball and slider have different looks to it. Black relied primarily on these two options as he held the Marlins to two runs in five innings on Saturday.

To make room on the roster, veteran pitcher Austin Warren was optioned to Triple-A. He signed with the club late in the offseason while still recovering from Tommy John surgery. The righty pitcher recently completed his rehab assignment. Upon Warren's return, he completed one scoreless outing with San Francisco.