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SF Giants reportedly bolster upper minors pitcher depth, add former Orioles prospect on minors deal

ByJeff Young|
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Apr 15, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A view of a Giants game hat on the dugout steps, with a patch honoring Jackie Robinson during the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Players and coaches will wear No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day around the league. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Apr 15, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A view of a Giants game hat on the dugout steps, with a patch honoring Jackie Robinson during the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Players and coaches will wear No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day around the league. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

The SF Giants have reportedly added some pitching depth in the upper minors. According to Francys Romero of Beisbolfr.com, they have signed Cristian Alvarado to a minor league deal and assigned him to the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

Richmond is in the midst of a surprisingly strong season. They lead the Eastern League by a comfortable margin, with a 28 - 10 overall record.

The Giants have often left that affiliate light on talent. Oftentimes, they would round out the roster with minor league signings. For many of their top prospects, they would have short stints in the Eastern League before shifting back to the West Coast.

It is different this time around. The lineup has been the best in the Eastern League, averaging 6.95 runs per game. Jonah Cox, Scott Bandura, Bo Davidson, Charlie Szkowny, and Parks Harber have anchored the offense.

The question has come up a lot about how the Giants can move Cox, Bandura, or Davidson up to Triple-A. They might need an opening in the outfield. That often plays a role in these decisions, especially in the upper minors. The Giants may not have that currently, but they will make space if they keep forcing the issue.

The SF Giants add another arm in Cristian Alvarado

Joe Whitman, Trystan Vrieling, and Darien Smith have led the pitching side of Richmond's roster. It should be noted that Smith is now on the injured list. There is always a need for bullpen help, and that will likely be Cristian Alvarado's role on the club.

The right-handed pitcher was originally signed by the Baltimore Orioles during the 2011 - 2012 international signing period. He played in affiliated ball with Baltimore up until 2019. In eight seasons with the Orioles organization, he pitched to a 3.69 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 7.8 K/9, and 4.41 SO/W rate.

Alvarado came up as a starter, but began working out of the bullpen in his final year with the Orioles organization. Since 2019, he has pitched primarily in the Mexican League or in winter ball.

This includes a stint with the Guerreros de Oaxaca in 2026. That roster did feature a former Giants pitcher in Raymond Burgos, and another minor leaguer in Juniel Querecuto . Alvarado pitched to a 2.65 ERA with 26 strikeouts and four walks in 17 frames this season.

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