Giants Make Pitching Decision Ahead of Tigers Game

Brubaker has worked exclusively out of the bullpen this season, making him a logical choice to handle the opening inning or two before the Giants turn the game over to their long-relief options.

The assignment comes despite Brubaker pitching one inning against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, meaning he'll take the mound on just two days' rest.

The 31-year-old has successfully reinvented himself as a reliever after spending most of his career as a starter. Through 34 appearances this season, Brubaker owns a 3.17 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP and 36 strikeouts across 54 innings while proving capable of working multiple frames when needed.

His versatility has become even more valuable after missing all of 2023 and much of 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Since signing a one-year, $1.8 million contract with San Francisco, Brubaker has settled into a dependable bullpen role.

Friday's opener represents another opportunity for the Giants to maximize that flexibility as they try to piece together innings against a Detroit lineup fighting to stay within striking distance in the AL Central. With San Francisco searching for answers on the mound, the bullpen-game approach gives the club its best chance to compete while preserving the rest of the rotation.