The Giants beefed up the spring training competition in their bullpen on Thursday, reportedly adding two veteran relievers to minor-league deals.
San Francisco acquired right-hander Nick Vincent, according to Andrew Baggarly, and left-hander Fernando Abad, according to Jon Heyman. Abad won’t be available until midseason, as he’s currently serving an 80-game suspension after testing positive for the banned substance Stanozolol.
The Giants have added pitcher Nick Vincent to big league camp.
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) February 21, 2019
fernando abad has minors deal with the #SFGiants. will start in minor league camp. 800K plus incentives if in majors.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 21, 2019
Vincent, 32, spent the last three seasons with the Mariners after spending his first four seasons with the San Diego Padres. Vincent has been extremely solid out of the bullpen throughout his seven-year career, posting a career ERA of 3.17 and WHIP of 1.10.
Abad, 33, has been similarly solid during his eight years in the big leagues, posting a career ERA of 3.65 with a WHIP of 1.30 while bouncing around between the Astros, Nationals, A’s, Twins, and Red Sox. Abad didn’t pitch in the majors last season, after he was released by the Mets organization following his suspension.
The Giants have been rumored to be actively shopping relievers Will Smith and Tony Watson this offseason. If both Vincent and Abad look solid in camp, it could expedite a trade that would likely return some decent prospects.