The Giants’ closer is back, even as another has emerged.
San Francisco reinstated Jake McGee off the injured list ahead of Saturday’s game against the Padres. The closer had been dealing with an oblique strain since Sept. 12.
SF optioned Thairo Estrada to Triple-A Sacramento in a corresponding move. The utility infielder has hit .273 with an .813 OPS this year while providing solid defense at either middle infield spot.
The Giants have been patient with McGee even as the regular season dwindles down. Manager Gabe Kapler has reiterated the need to balance pushing through injuries — especially ones as tricky as obliques — with long-term health and getting peak performance.
McGee has recorded a career-high 31 saves on the year with a 2.72 ERA. Despite a low strikeout rate for a closer, McGee’s one-pitch approach limits hard contact. He throws his fastball 90% of the time and is in the 97th percentile of limiting walks.
But while McGee was on the injured list, rookie right-hander Camilo Doval emerged as an electric late-inning option. He recorded his first three career saves in the last week of the season and has made 14 consecutive scoreless appearances.
MLB named Doval the Reliever of the Month for September. At one point after getting the Giants out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam against the Padres, assistant coach J.P. Martinez jokingly checked his pulse in the dugout.
With his cool composure, Doval has earned the coaching staff’s trust to pitch in any big moment of a game.
“I think he has the mentality for any role out of the pen,” Kapler said Oct. 2.
Who gets ninth inning opportunities in October remains to be seen. If nothing else, the Giants have a myriad of choices.