SF Giants manager Bob Melvin says that unheralded non-roster lefty has been standout in camp

The SF Giants only have one left-handed reliever on the 40-man roster in Erik Miller but have invited several non-roster lefties as well. Antonio Jimenez is among the many non-roster left-handed pitchers with the Giants and one who has been a standout according to manager Bob Melvin.

SF Giants manager Bob Melvin says that unheralded non-roster lefty has been standout in camp

It bears mentioning that the Giants are assuming a fair bit of risk by having only one left-handed reliever on the 40-man roster. They will likely carry two during the season and there have been a few recent signings who would have made plenty of sense.

At this point, they seem to be content with the current group of players in camp. They have several left-handed pitchers, headlined by veteran hurler Joey Lucchesi and top prospect Carson Whisenhunt. Jimenez has not garnered as much attention due in part to joining the Giants on a minor league deal.

However, Jimenez has opened some eyes early in camp despite games just getting underway. In an interview with reporters (around the 4:20 mark) and published by NBC Sports Bay Area, Bob Melvin identified the young lefty as one of the standouts so far.

"He's [Jimenez] got some lift on his heater. He knows where it's going... Little changeup that always plays with the righties, too. Breaking ball, he's been impressive... Another one of those guys that might get in there earlier in games."

Bob Melvin

In addition to Melvin speaking highly of Jimenez's pitch mix and presence on the mound, the detail that stands out is that he will get in games early. This is an interesting detail because that is typically when the veterans play. By the middle of spring training games, the veterans out and replaced by younger players who are hoping to make an impression.

It is clear that Melvin wants to see how Jimenez performs against major league hitters to evaluate if he can help out the bullpen in 2025.

The 23-year-old pitcher came up as a starter but has transitioned to the bullpen in recent years. Overall, he has tallied a 3.42 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 9.9 K/9, and 2.52 SO/W rate. This does include a 4.32 ERA in 16 appearances in Triple-A last season.

On the mound, Jimenez flashes a low-to-mid 90's fastball that he pairs with a slider and changeup. The slider gets good, two-plane movement and he tunnels the changeup well with the fastball, making it difficult for opposing hitters to read. The lefty pitcher has below-average control but passable for a bullpen role.