The San Francisco Giants have announced the call-up of highly touted left-handed pitcher Carson Whisenhunt for his MLB debut on Monday, as they prepare to face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oracle Park. Whisenhunt, currently ranked as the club’s No. 3 prospect by MLB Pipeline, steps into the lineup following some adverse developments in the team’s pitching staff.
This decision comes in the wake of the Giants placing pitcher Landen Roupp on the 15-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation. Additionally, pitcher Hayden Birdsong was recently demoted to Triple-A, prompting the need for Whisenhunt’s promotion. Manager Bob Melvin expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity for Whisenhunt, acknowledging that the organization had anticipated his arrival last year. “We’ve been waiting for this for a little bit now… He’s our top pitching prospect, I believe,” Melvin remarked.
Whisenhunt, a second-round draft pick in 2022, has compiled a 4.42 ERA over 97.2 innings in 18 starts with the Sacramento River Cats this season. With the Giants currently struggling, having lost nine of their last 11 games and sitting just two games above .500 at 54-52, the team hopes Whisenhunt can inject some much-needed energy into the rotation as they chase the final wild card playoff spot in the National League, currently three games behind the San Diego Padres.
Whisenhunt’s debut is set for 6:45 PM on Monday, and it will be broadcast on NBC Sports Bay Area. His arrival is viewed as a pivotal moment for the franchise, potentially providing the spark they need to turn their season around.