SF Giants retain controversial, struggling reliever after being DFA'd

SF Giants reliever Sean Hjelle has cleared waivers and was sent to Triple-A Sacramento after being designated for assignment last week. This means that the reliever will remain within the Giants organization after going unclaimed.

Hjelle has been the subject of controversy as of late as his wife made very serious accusations against him that are being investigated by MLB.

SF Giants retain Sean Hjelle after clearing waivers

The right-handed reliever has struggled on the mound this season. In 12 appearances and 15 innings pitched, Hjelle has a 7.80 ERA on the year. It is no surprise that other teams were not keen to claim him given his poor performance and off-the-field situation.

Hjelle has done alright in Triple-A Sacramento this season, posting a 3.57 ERA in 24 appearances. He could potentially be called up by the Giants later this season, but he was removed from the 40-man roster to make room for the players acquired in the Tyler Rogers trade last week.

It came as a bit of surprise early this season when Hjelle did not make the Opening Day roster. After last season when he had a 3.90 ERA in 80 and 2/3 innings with the Giants, he was seen as a guy who would most likely make the team. Yet, he was outperformed by other relievers on the staff in spring training.

Even despite Hjelle's struggles, the bullpen has largely been a strength for San Francisco this year. That is why the Giants dealt from their bullpen at the trade deadline when it became clear that the team was not playing well enough to warrant the front office making additions.

While the bullpen pecking order is definitely different now, the Giants do have several relievers who could earn a spot with the team in 2026 if they pitch well the rest of this season. It is a great opportunity for those arms to audition for a role next season.

Hjelle will remain with the organization for now, but the Giants will probably focus on other bullpen options the rest of this year as they try to figure out how their bullpen will look going forward following the Rogers and Camilo Doval trades.

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