San Francisco Giants Starter To Fill Versatile Role This Season

The San Francisco Giants signed right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis to a one-year, $2.8 million contract in January.

While the 30-year-old is considered the team's seventh starter this spring, he does not have a defined role yet. Junis could potentially be a starter when injuries arise, serve as a piggyback reliever, or act as a more traditional multi-inning option out of the bullpen.

Jakob Junis, Filthy Sliders. 😷 pic.twitter.com/si5Tpzm1Rg

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 3, 2022

Junis, who added 10-15 pounds of muscle in the offseason after battling shoulder and hamstring issues in 2022, made 17 starts for the Giants last season.

He allowed more than two runs only once in his first nine starts before landing on the injured list with a hamstring strain. When he returned, he went 1-6 with a 5.77 ERA the rest of the way, working as a starter and out of the bullpen and also dealing with a hairline fracture in the palm of his left (non-throwing) hand. 

However, with seven starters on the roster, including Junis, the Giants could potentially take down a whole game between two pitchers, which could benefit the team and take the load off the bullpen.

It is likely that the Giants will keep Junis stretched out in case starters get hurt, but it could also be a good time to see what he could do throwing his slider 60-70% of the time in short relief. Photo Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports