Giants Re-Sign Former Top Prospect Pitcher
The club recently learned that left-handed reliever Reiver Sanmartin will miss several months with a severe hip flexor strain, leaving the bullpen dangerously thin on the left side.
With fellow lefty Erik Miller also slowed by back tightness, the Giants suddenly needed reinforcements heading into the final weeks of spring training.
Joey Lucchesi Returns After Strong 2025 Bullpen Run
The reunion makes plenty of sense given Lucchesi’s success in San Francisco last season.
The 32-year-old appeared in 38 games, posting a 3.76 ERA over 38.1 innings while working primarily in middle relief. It marked a successful transition to a bullpen role after spending most of his career as a starting pitcher.
The #SFGiants have agreed to terms with free-agent LHP Joey Lucchesi, per @JonHeyman pic.twitter.com/dqEMTyMPIM
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) March 9, 2026
Lucchesi relied on a simplified arsenal out of the bullpen, leaning heavily on his sinker, four-seamer and his unique curveball-changeup hybrid known as the “churve.”
The approach helped him generate a 53 percent ground-ball rate while limiting hard contact throughout the season.
Giants Bullpen Depth Tested Early in Spring
The Giants’ pitching staff has been hit with several setbacks even before Opening Day.
Sanmartin’s injury, combined with lingering health concerns for pitchers like Sam Hentges and Jason Foley, has forced the organization to explore depth options earlier than expected.
🚨 The San Francisco Giants are bringing back Joey Lucchesi on a minor league contract that includes an invite to big league camp.
— Rick Peters (@MLB_NEWSNOW_) March 9, 2026
That situation opens the door for Lucchesi to once again play a role in San Francisco’s bullpen.
Across seven MLB seasons with the San Diego Padres, New York Mets and Giants, the veteran left-hander owns a 4.07 career ERA over 433 innings.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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