Giants' bullpen options have been quickly thinned by rash of injuries

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Reiver Sanmartin (48) during San Francisco Giants spring training practice at Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/S.F. Chronicle)


SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - That wide-open competition in the San Francisco Giants' bullpen is, midway through the spring, a little light in left-handed options.

Reiver Sanmartin, the former Reds reliever, incurred a right hip-flexor injury in Team Colombia's exhibition game against the Pirates on Tuesday in Miami, and he is not expected to return to the event. The lefty incurred the injury covering first base on a grounder, and he was scheduled to see Giants orthopedist Dr. Ken Akizuki on Wednesday.

"I think the WBC is a wash for him, I'm sure he's a little bit disheartened or heartbroken about that piece of it," manager Tony Vitello said, noting that Sanmartin can, at least, keep his arm strength up while recovering, "and hopefully that will make things go a little quicker when his lower half is where it needs to be."

The only healthy left-handed reliever on the 40-man roster is Matt Gage, but Erik Miller (back) is likely to be pitching in games next week. Lefty Sam Hentges (shoulder-capsule surgery, meniscus repair) is throwing off the mound but he's yet to face hitters; he could be available in April if not ready for Opening Day.

Another reliever, right-hander Joel Peguero, reinjured his left hamstring Monday and an MRI determined he has a Grade 2 strain, which probably will keep him out of action most of the rest of the string and make it unlikely he'd be a consideration for the Opening Day roster.

Jason Foley, like Hentges a free-agent addition, won't be ready to go until close to midseason after shoulder capsule surgery.

"It might provide an opportunity for somebody that wasn't normally going to get one, and then you end up with more depth," Vitello said. "For now, we're letting these guys get as many opportunities as they can to show what they can do, and then we're trying to sort out who belongs where."

Among the relievers who've impressed are swingman-type Trevor McDonald, who might be emerging from the group of young starters vying for a long-man spot, and non-roster pitchers Caleb Kilian, Michael Fulmer, Gregory Santos, Will Bednar and one lefty, Juan Sanchez.

Asked about Sanchez, who hasn't allowed a run in three appearances, Vitello said, "From my perspective, expectations have been exceeded."

Ryan Walker, who is vying for the closer role, threw in a minor-league simulated game Wednesday, as did Hayden Birdsong, who might be in the mix for the long-man spot if he irons out the difficulties he's had since last June. In the controlled conditions of a simulated game, Walker threw 23 pitches and recorded seven outs in his one inning. Birdsong worked two innings and Vitello said the second "was definitely exciting" because Birdsong was efficient and showed a good pitch mix.

Rafael Devers (hamstring) said he's feeling good and he hopes to get into a game soon; it's possible he'd also get at-bats first on the minor-league side unless there's a home game or a nearby road game that is suitable in the next several days. Outfielder Drew Gilbert (shoulder) is hitting but has not yet started throwing.

This article originally published at Giants' bullpen options have been quickly thinned by rash of injuries.

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