Giants, with surplus of lefty relievers, could move Drew Pomeranz: report

Scuffling as a starter, lefty Drew Pomeranz made four relief appearances for the Giants, with an ERA of 0.00 and six strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings.

For four and half months, Giants pitcher Drew Pomeranz knew how he would be used (as a starter) and when he would be used (anywhere from every four days to every 12 days, more or less).

That’s where a major leaguer wants to be, an established regular combatant. But after 17 starts, Pomeranz (2-9, 6.10 ERA) was removed from the rotation. Now, something’s got to give.

Not Pomeranz necessarily. He has been called on in relief three times in the past week: A 1-2 record, 0.00 ERA, six strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings. Other left-handed relievers in the Giants’ employ: Will Smith, All-Star (3-0, 26 saves, 2.72), Tony Watson (2-0, 2.79), and a pair of intriguing lefties at Triple-A (Sam Selman, 3-1, 1.35 ERA, and Andrew Suarez, 52 strikeouts in 84 innings).

If you can’t figure out where this is headed, you might consider making Australian Rules Football your sport of choice.

The estimable Ken Rosenthal spells it out for us:

Per sources, #SFGiants drawing sudden interest in LH Drew Pomeranz, who since moving to ‘pen has struck out six in 4 1/3 shutout innings, allowing only one baserunner. Team’s LH relievers also include W. Smith, Watson, with Suarez, Selman at Triple A. At least one could be moved.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 29, 2019

It’s a no-brainer two ways. For one, general principle. There never has been, in the history of the major leagues, a general manager (or in the Giants’ case, a director of baseball ops) who would hang on to more than three well-regarded left-handed relievers. And for two, dealers are gonna deal. There has never been, in the history of the major leagues, a GM (or DBO) whose team was in the hunt for the postseason who wasn’t thirsting to make a deal. Out of nowhere the Giants have fought their way into contention.

So check back for updates. Unless Ken Rosenthal is wrong (and he hasn’t been since Fernando Rodney was a pup), This could be getting real exciting, real soon.