Story by
Giants' Carson Whisenhunt to start vs. Rockies; Ryan Walker optioned to Triple-A
- Story by
- Giants' Carson Whisenhunt to start vs. Rockies; Ryan Walker optioned to Triple-A
Giants' Carson Whisenhunt to start vs. Rockies; Ryan Walker optioned to Triple-A originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Pitching has been an issue for the Giants on all levels this season, and after another low point with Wednesday's deflating shutout loss , it was time for a change.
Advertisement
San Francisco is calling up Carson Whisenhunt , who will make his second start of the season against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday at Oracle Park, manager Tony Vitello confirmed Thursday morning on KNBR's "Murph & Markus."
"He did so well for us in Atlanta ," Vitello said. "One of the new things to me, but pretty tough conversation when a guy throws that well. But everyone kind of knew it was a one-and-done deal. But the one thing everyone said was it's only a matter of time before you get that next opportunity again, and of course, here it is tonight."
Whisenhunt tossed five innings of two-run ball in his season debut last month — all on about two hours of sleep.
The corresponding move also is timely, with relief pitcher Ryan Walker optioned to Triple-A Sacramento after another rough outing in Wednesday's loss to the Toronto Blue Jays .
Advertisement
Walker, who at one point was viewed as the closer heading into this season, gave up three earned runs and three hits in the ninth inning.
After Wednesday's game, Vitello was asked about the plan going forward with Walker.
"We'll see," he said. "We'll have a conversation after everybody's out of here today."
That conversation went as most expected.
"With the move with Whisenhunt, that's what affects Walker. That was the conversation we had yesterday," Vitello said Thursday. "He'll option to Sac, and then we'll see him again sometime soon. Obviously, he needs to keep working. Confidence is a part of every sport, but in particular in baseball, it's so crucial. Everyone has seen him when he's at his best, and like every player, you all have seen him at his worst, too.
Advertisement
"He's still the same guy. The same name on his jersey. But I think it illustrates the importance of confidence."
The Giants have been searching for answers all season, and now they hope this move will steer them in at least the right direction.
