The SF Giants recalled right-handed pitcher Sean Hjelle ( Giants #28 prospect ) from Triple-A and placed outfielder Bryce Johnson on the seven-day concussion injured list prior to the team's series against the Tigers. Johnson's injured-list stint is retroactive to April 13th, which would allow him to be activated as soon as April 20th if he clears the league's concussion protocol.
Hjelle made the Giants' Opening Day roster after a standout spring training. Across six appearances during the preseason, Hjelle recorded a 1.59 ERA with 22 strikeouts and three walks in 17 innings pitched (six appearances). Hjelle's performance in the regular season has been a bit rockier, posting a 9.00 ERA in three outings, racking up 10 strikeouts and four walks in six innings pitched.
A former second-round pick, Hjelle made his MLB debut with the Giants last May, a day before his 25th birthday. While his big-league career got off to a rocky start, he looked impressive in September, recording at least four innings pitched without allowing more than two runs in three of his four outings. Still, he finished the season with a 5.76 ERA in 25 MLB innings. At Triple-A, Hjelle recorded a 4.92 ERA in 97 innings pitched (22 starts) A with 80 strikeouts and 38 walks last season.
Johnson suffered a concussion in the Giants' 10-5 loss to the Dodgers on Wednesday night when he slammed into the center-field wall making an incredible catch. Johnson was a snub from the Giants Opening Day roster but was promoted the following day. Prior to the injury, Johnson posted a .150/.150/.300 triple-slash in 20 plate appearances (10 games).
Developed as a starting pitcher, Sean Hjelle will give SF Giants manager Gabe Kapler some added flexibility out of the bullpen. By not replacing Bryce Johnson with an outfielder, Giants outfielders Michael Conforto and Heliot Ramos (Giants #17 prospect) are the alternative options in center field behind Mike Yastrzemski.
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