SF Giants Triple-A club places hard-throwing pitching prospect on injured list

The Sacramento River Cats brought in some new faces earlier this week. However, the SF Giants Triple-A club made another roster move, sending hard-throwing pitching prospect Reggie Crawford to the injured list according to the team's transaction log.

SF Giants Triple-A club places hard-throwing pitching prospect on injured list

The nature of the injury has not been disclosed but that is not uncommon with minor leaguers. Crawford had not appeared in a game since June 5 against the Albuquerque Isotopes. In that outing, there was a sharp decline in his fastball velocity. On the year, his sinker velocity averaged 97.2 MPH but he was sitting at 93.3 MPH while facing the Isotopes.

The Giants have been aggressive with Crawford's development since taking him in the first round of the 2022 draft out of the University of Connecticut. He was considered a two-player at the time, but he has since committed exclusively to pitching.

Crawford missed the entire 2022 college season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He was able to return to the mound in 2023. That said, the Giants were understandably cautious with his workload. He recorded a 2.84 ERA with 32 strikeouts against 10 walks in 19.0 innings split across two levels in the lower minors. Though, he did not get stretched out beyond two innings in any one appearance.

The Giants rewarded the southpaw prospect with an invite to spring training this season. He did not make an appearance in the Cactus League, but was able to pitch in front of the major league coaching staff, which can be a valuable experience.

Despite the limited track record, the Giants gave him a relatively aggressive assignment to Double-A to start the year. He impressed with 19 strikeouts in 9.2 with Richmond before earning a promotion to Sacramento. With the River Cats, he has a 1.04 ERA with 11 strikeouts and seven walks in 8.2 frames.

The Giants still have not had him throw more than two innings in any appearance as a pro. Given that he was throwing in Sacramento and working out of the bullpen, Crawford was a logical candidate to join the Giants at some point this season. That could still be the case if the injury is not serious. However, the plan is still to stretch him out as a starter down the road.