The San Francisco Giants made a roster move today and designated pitcher Spencer Howard for assignment, who is a former top prospect. He’s recorded decent results this year with a 1-1 record and a 3.80 ERA across 21 1/3 innings of work. The 27-year-old right-handed pitcher was born and raised in Templeton, California. Right-handed pitcher Landen Roupp was called up from Triple-A Sacramento in a corresponding move.
#SFGiants roster moves:
• RHP Landen Roupp (#65) recalled from Triple-A Sacramento.
• RHP Spencer Howard designated for assignment.— SFGiants (@SFGiants) June 30, 2024
Giants Shockingly DFA Spencer Howard
In his five-year MLB career, Howard has also played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers. Howard’s DFA is somewhat puzzling. Not really because he’s some valuable asset that the Giants can’t afford to lose, but because Luke Jackson still has a job with a 6.23 ERA on the season. Howard has been serviceable on a staff overwhelmed by the injury bug. That trend continued when the Giants recently placed two infielders on the IL (Wilmer Flores and Thairo Estrada). But the Giants are not the only team dealing with injuries. Practically every team in MLB has been plagued with injuries.
Howard is a solid spot starter. However, it appears the Giants have a preference for veterans, which could be the issue. But with the Giants letting him go, he will succeed somewhere else and find a new home soon. Furthermore, considering that this season, he has put up the best numbers compared to past seasons despite being a small sample size, it’s an odd move that some fans are questioning. Howard has spent most of his career with the Rangers (three seasons from 2021-2023). Aside from this season, his numbers have left something to be desired, with his lowest ERA being 5.92, dating back to 2020 with the Phillies. The 25-year-old Roupp is in his first season with the Giants. The Rocky Mount, NC native sports a 5.27 ERA this season.
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