SF Giants right-handed hurler Alex Cobb set to return to the mound on Sunday

The SF Giants have dealt with a lot of injuries to start the season, but they are getting one key arm back on Sunday. Alex Cobb is slated to make Sunday's start against the Washington Nationals after missing just two starts with an abductor strain.

SF Giants right-handed hurler Alex Cobb set to return to the mound on Sunday

The Giants signed the righty to a two-year, $20 million contract with a $10 million team option for 2024. Cobb registered a 3.76 ERA, 2.92 FIP, 9.5 K/9, and a 2.97 SO/W ratio in 18 starts with the Los Angeles Angels last season, so this felt like a very nice deal for both team and player.

That said, there was plenty of risk in signing a player like Cobb. The 34-year-old pitcher has spent considerable time on the injured list in the past and has never eclipsed 180 innings in any season throughout his 11-year career.

When he is healthy, Cobb has proven to be a very effective arm and the Giants are hoping that he stays relatively healthy for the duration of his contract.

The veteran starter opened eyes immediately in camp as his fastball velocity saw a considerable spike, jumping from 92.8 MPH in 2021 to 94.7 MPH at the start of 2022. It was a welcomed sight, but not one that you would expect to see from a pitcher who has been in the league since 2011.

Cobb has made two starts with the Giants, yielding five earned runs in 9.1 frames on 14 strikeouts against only two walks. Similar to Alex Wood, Cobb works quick, attacks the zone, and induces a lot of poor contact. This has become the model for what the Giants seek in a potential pitching target.

The righty was in the middle of his second start with the Giants when he was removed from the game against the New York Mets. He was diagnosed with a Grade 1 abductor strain and the belief was that he would not miss a lot of time.

That turned out to be true as Cobb only missed two starts before being activated. The Giants-Nationals series is tied at one, so he will pitch in the rubber match. No corresponding roster move has been announced yet.