Undrafted SF Giants pitching prospect takes home Northwest League Pitcher of the Week honors

Undrafted SF Giants pitching prospect Shane Rademacher was recognized after a strong start against the Tri-City Dust Devils last week. He earned Northwest League Pitcher of the Week honors while turning in five scoreless innings against the Dust Devils.

Undrafted SF Giants pitching prospect takes home Northwest League Pitcher of the Week honors

Rademacher recorded three strikeouts and one walk while allowing just one hit. The Eugene Emeralds did drop that game by a score of 4-2. They held the lead as Rademacher departed, but the bullpen was unable to hold it.

It was a tough game for another reason, too. Bo Davidson started the game in center field, but departed midway through and was replaced by James Tibbs III. As is often the case, there is no word on the injury front for Davidson.

The Emeralds are off to a 4-5 start, and have some interesting prospects, including Tibbs III, pitcher Josh Bostick, and infielder Charlie Szykowny. In particular, Tibbs III is off to a hot start, and could move quickly given that he was one of the more advanced bats in last year's drfat class.

The Giants signed Shane Rademacher as an undrafted free agent out of Chowan University in 2023. Chowan University is located in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, which seems to be a scouting hub for the Giants. Madison Bumgarner, Patrick Bailey, Will Wilson, and Nick Swiney are just some of the top picks to come from that area of the country.

Rademacher posted a 6.53 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, and a 3.20 SO/W ratio in three years at Chowan University. In 2024, he pitched exclusively with the San Jose Giants, rec a 4.89 ERA in 26 outings, including seven starts.

The right-handed pitcher is off to a solid start with the Emeralds this season. He has allowed just one earned run on five strikeouts and one walk across nine frames.

On the mound, the 24-year-old hurler features a three-pitch mix. This includes a low 90's four-seam fastball, a big 12-to-6 curveball, and an occasional chnageup. The curveball is his go-to swing-and-miss pitch, especially as a chase pitch. At times, he throws it in the zone with tighter breaking action.

Rademacher does not overpower with fastball velocity, but he has a good feel for his four-seamer. He throws it up in the zone, and it has been a tough pitch to hit for hitters in the lower minors.