SF Giants activate RHP Ross Stripling, option top pitching prospect

The SF Giants finally activated veteran righty Ross Stripling from the injured list, optioning top pitching prospect Kyle Harrison to Triple-A.

The SF Giants activated veteran right-handed pitcher Ross Stripling from the injured list on Saturday, optioning left-handed pitcher Kyle Harrison (Giants Top Pitching Prospect) to Triple-A Sacramento. It's a bit surprising to see Harrison demoted after an impressive big-league stint. However, with his velocity down in his past couple of outings and veteran Alex Cobb's status uncertain, the Giants opted to add a fresh arm to the roster prior to a huge four-game series against the Colorado Rockies.

SF Giants RHP Ross Stripling pitches against the Rockies at Oracle Park. (2023) / Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

It's no secret that Stripling's first season with the Giants has been a disappointing one. In the first year of a two-year, $25 million deal with San Francisco, Stripling has posted a 5.29 ERA across 78.1 innings pitched (19 appearances) with 61 strikeouts and 11 walks this season. While Stripling does have the ability to opt out of his contract after this season and return to free agency, he told reporters earlier this week that he has not pitched well enough to exercise that option.

The Giants' decision to activate Stripling comes after some public back and forth between him and the organization. Stripling complained about being in limbo after he recovered from his back injury.

Cobb has been dealing with a hip impingement for some time, and the team is pushing his start back for the second consecutive turn through the rotation. Cobb's uncertain availability likely made it more imperative to activate Stripling and also made it easier to option Harrison.

While optioned players cannot be recalled for at least 15 days, they can return to the majors before that time period to replace an injured player. If Cobb ends up needing to skip his next start, San Francisco could place him on the 15-day injured list and recall Harrison from Triple-A whenever they are so inclined.

In his first big-league stint, Harrison recorded a 5.18 ERA in five starts with 29 strikeouts, eight walks, and seven home runs allowed in 24.1 innings pitched. Despite his struggles with consistency, Harrison showed off his elite potential in a historic Oracle Park debut and flashed one of the best fastballs in professional baseball. At Triple-A, Harrison has a 4.66 ERA this year with 105 strikeouts and 48 walks in 65.2 innings pitched.

SF Giants fans will be disappointed if Kyle Harrison has made his last MLB appearance this season. However, he has undeniably showcased the potential to be atop the Giants rotation for years to come. He will look to continue taking steps forward back at Triple-A. Meanwhile, in the thick of postseason contention, Giants manager Gabe Kapler will hope veteran Ross Stripling can finish the season strong.