SF Giants bolster bullpen depth with hard-throwing right handed pitcher

The SF Giants have their bullpen pretty locked in as of right now, but they added some depth to the group by signing pitcher Lou Trivino to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training where, if he pitches really well, he could earn a spot on the Giants.

Robert Murray of FanSided reported the deal first on social media. The news does not come as a huge shock considering the Giants were one of seven teams to attend a bullpen session that Trivino threw recently. Obviously they saw enough to think he could be a solid signing even though he has not pitched in the major leagues since 2022 with the New York Yankees.

SF Giants sign veteran reliever Lou Trivino

Trivino was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 11th round of the 2013 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with Oakland in 2018 and had a great rookie campaign with an ERA of 2.92 in 74 innings pitched. He followed that up with a rough sophomore campaign posting a 5.25 ERA but got back on track in 2020. By 2021 he had turned into a solid closer for Oakland, posting a 3.18 ERA in 73 and 2/3 innings pitched while recording 22 saves.

Trivino was traded to the New York Yankees in 2022 after he struggled with Oakland to begin the season, but he was able to right the ship in New York with a 1.66 ERA in 21 and 2/3 innings pitched.

Unfortunately, injuries have kept Trivino on the shelf the past two seasons. He had Tommy John surgery in 2023 so he had to spend last season trying to work back from that. It is good to see that he finally seems healthy.

It definitely seems like Giants manager Bob Melvin put in a good word for Trivino with the Giants front office. Melvin managed Trivino for several seasons in Oakland so he can recall the days when the hard-throwing right-hander was a trusted reliever of his. In the past Trivino had a fastball that averaged over 95 mph so the hope is he can still bring that sort of velocity after his injuries.

Trivino could end up snagging a spot in the bullpen. He will face competition from the likes of Randy Rodrigues, Landen Roupp, and Spencer Bivens for a spot on the roster, but it is not inconceivable that he could snag a bullpen spot with a strong spring.

It is not the most exciting signing, but teams always need bullpen depth so this is a smart move by the Giants to bring in a reliever who has had success in the past.