Sam Long is getting the ball for his third start of the season on Wednesday against the Athletics, manager Gabe Kapler said. Long will open a bullpen game in the second of a two-night Bay Bridge Series.
In 2022, Long has thrown 5.2 scoreless innings. In those five appearances, he has struck out five while walking one and allowing three hits.
Long, 26, is a former 18th round draft pick who nearly became a firefighter after the Tampa Bay Rays released him in 2018. Now he’s been a reliable contributor during San Francisco’s scorching 13-5 start.
With Long on the bump, the Giants will be coming off their fifth straight victory. It’s already their second five-game winning streak of 2022; SF won at least five consecutive games seven times last year.
Wednesday will make San Francisco’s third bullpen game in the past six contests. Long started both of them, both Giants wins — including a come-from-behind win over Corbin Burnes and the Brewers.
Behind Long, Jakob Junis could have another opportunity to pitch big innings. The Giants also didn’t use most of their high-leverage relievers during Tuesday’s blowout win, so Camilo Doval, Jake McGee and Tyler Rogers should be available.