San Francisco Giants sign ex-Padres, A’s pitcher after Dodgers release

Giants Manager Bob Melvin and GM Farhan Zaidi added a player they knew from their A’s days.

The San Francisco Giants are currently one of the worst pitching teams in Major League Baseball with a team ERA of 4.50. On Friday, it was announced that Bob Melvin’s team decided to pick some pitching help in the form of a player who once pitched for California teams San Diego and Oakland, Drew Pomeranz.

The news came during a time when three potential early season trades for the Giants were given the spotlight treatment. Injury news on star hurler Blake Snell was also revealed.

The Giants’ latest news came amid a flurry of activity and has Giants fans wondering if the new face on the team’s pitching staff could possibly contribute.

Giants make roster move, add left-hander Pomeranz 

The Giants added left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz to the staff after he was signed to a one-year Major League contract, according to the Giants’ official Twitter account.

Manager Bob Melvin’s team also optioned right-hander Mason Black to Triple-A Sacramento and designated catcher Jakson Reetz for assignment. Melvin and Giants General Manager Farhan Zaidi both have ties to Pomeranz going back to their days with the Athletics.

Fans seemed frustrated by the moves in the comments section on X.

“How does Pomeranz keep finessing ball clubs?” one fan said.

“How does this move help the over taxed bullpen?” another fan mused. “Short answer: it probably doesn’t, but hey, look at all that experience there. He sure has that.”

Pomeranz must shake off rust quickly 

The Giants’ new addition has not pitched in the Majors since 2021, when he compiled a sparkling ERA of 1.75 in 27 games of mound action with the Padres. He gave up 19 hits in 25.2 innings of work that season and struck out 30 batters.

Drew Pomeranz’s ability to ratchet up the intensity and contribute to this season’s Giants team are currently in question, but he has shown he has the talent and moxie to get the job done in previous seasons. At 6-foot-5, 246 pounds, Pomeranz has an intimidating presence on the mound but is presumed to be on the downside of his career at 35 years old.

Currently, the Giants’ bullpen has a collective ERA of 4.59, which ranks near the bottom of the Majors. There is certainly an opportunity for Pomeranz to contribute, if he is able to recapture the magic he had in previous seasons.