What is it going to take for young SF Giants pitcher to join the rotation?

The SF Giants have been incredibly fortunate to have Hayden Birdsong as an effective reliever this season. The young pitcher has been amazing which makes one wonder what it is going to take for him to join the starting rotation.

In 18 innings pitched, Birdsong has an ERA of 1.00 with 19 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.00. Those are very strong numbers, and he has clearly gained the trust of manager Bob Melvin who has not been afraid to use the young flamethrower in tight situations.

What will it take for Hayden Birdsong to join SF Giants rotation?

We know that Birdsong is accustomed to being a starting pitcher, but his transition to the bullpen has been nearly seamless. Melvin has used him as a sort of super-reliever who can come in and pitch two innings or more in high leverage spots while allowing Melvin to rest other high leverage arms in his bullpen like Camilo Doval, Tyler Rogers, and Ryan Walker.

Yet, there is a sense that Birdsong's value may be wasted somewhat in the bullpen. Wouldn't the Giants benefit more from having him as a starter where he can pitch more innings and be put to better use?

The answer to that question may be yes, but there is not a simple way to add him to the rotation right now. Logan Webb, Justin Verlander, and Robbie Ray are all going to remain in the rotation so long as they are healthy. That means Birdsong will really only be able to replace Landen Roupp or Jordan Hicks if they struggle.

Roupp's last start was rough and Hicks' overall numbers have not been great although he has looked better in his last two starts.

We have seen that the Giants have not had a quick trigger on players who have struggled this season, though. For instance, the Giants let Tyler Fitzgerald work through an early slump and they are doing the same thing with LaMonte Wade Jr.

In the bullpen, Melvin has maintained faith in both Doval and Walker despite both going through rough patches this season. It seems like they are going to maintain that same approach when it comes to the rotation.

This strategy may prove wise, ultimately. Having too quick of a trigger can create a sense of fear among players that at the first sign of any struggles their job could be on the line. Maintaining trust in players despite struggles builds more trust in the clubhouse and stands in contrast to the practice of roster churn from previous years.

It stands to reason that at some point Birdsong is going to get a chance in the rotation. For now, he just needs to be patient and continue to thrive in his current role. At some point he will get his opportunity and he will be ready when the time comes.