SF Giants bullpen competition somehow just got even more wide open

The SF Giants had a fairly wide open bullpen competition heading into spring training, but things are somehow even more wide open after the news that two relievers are behind schedule due to injury.

Joel Peguero and Erik Miller, two guys who almost certainly would make the Opening Day roster if healthy, are both dealing with ailments in Arizona. Peguero is dealing with a hamstring issue that has prevented him from pitching in a game yet and Miller has some back tightness which has also prevented him from pitching in a Cactus League game.

Two key SF Giants relievers dealing with injury at spring training

It is still early so if these guys get back on track soon maybe they will be fine and ready to go by Opening Day. But if their injuries linger into March then it may be asking a lot for them to get ramped up in the final few weeks. 

The one benefit is they are relievers so they do not need to build their arm strength up in spring the same way a starter does, but the Giants would surely like to see both guys pitch in at least a few games to make sure the injuries are not going to impact them too greatly.

Peguero seemingly came out of nowhere last season throwing triple-digit heat as he made his big league debut at the age of 28. He posted a 2.42 ERA in 17 appearances and seems like a guy who could be a late-inning reliever if he figures out his command.

Miller pitched quite well for the Giants last season before he got injured. He pitched to a 1.50 ERA in 36 appearances although he himself admitted that he was the beneficiary of some good fortune as he walked a lot of batters and was lucky to get himself out of some self-imposed jams.

If he’s healthy, the Giants would probably count upon him to be an eighth inning guy and setup man. Maybe he could be a closer if needed, but it remains to be seen if he can handle the ninth inning consistently.

If one or both of these guys is not ready to go by Opening Day, that will create opportunities for other arms. Gregory Santos springs to mind as a guy who could make the roster with the way he has been pitching as of late.

Matt Gage and Juan Sanchez are two left-handed options who could earn a spot if the southpaw Miller isn’t ready to go.

The hope is these injuries are not major and that both guys will be back in action soon. But until they are, the wide open bullpen competition somehow got even wider.