San Francisco Giants Manager Bob Melvin Announces Seismic Change to Bullpen Roles

The San Francisco Giants have made some major changes to their bullpen recently, some because of ineffective play and others out of necessity.

With Jordan Hicks struggling in some facets as a starter, the Giants decided to move him back to the bullpen, swapping roles with Hayden Birdsong. The young flamethrower had excelled as a multi-inning reliever, but was moving back into the rotation.

When Justin Verlander went on the injured list, someone needed to step into his role.

San Francisco decided to tab Kyle Harrison, who was promoted when Lou Trivino was designated for assignment, to take his place.

Harrison lost his job in the rotation during spring training, where he was beaten out by Landen Roupp, who has held the spot since.

Roupp took the mound on Wednesday afternoon against the Detroit Tigers, suffering the loss after four innings of work.

He was charged with one earned run, but surrendered four, with the Giants losing 4-3 and being swept by the American League Central contenders.

In relief of Roupp, manager Bob Melvin turned to Randy Rodriguez for two innings, Tyler Rogers for one and Ryan Walker for one.

After the game in the clubhouse, he was asked about why Walker came into the game for the eighth inning and Erik Miller was preparing to pitch had he been needed in the ninth inning.

Melvin revealed that there are some more changes coming to the bullpen pecking order, with Camilo Doval being reinserted as the team’s closer.

Camilo Doval and Ryan Walker Are Swapping Spots in Giants Bullpen

He revealed that it was a decision made a few days ago and that Walker is fine with the role change, just wanting to do whatever he can to pitch and help the team win games.