Could reliever with 100 mph fastball provide a boost for Giants bullpen?

Share

PHOENIX — For years, Ray Black was a story every time he stepped on the mound in spring training. With a fastball that regularly sits in triple digits and has touched 104 mph, how could he not be? 

Black’s progression towards the big leagues was slowed, repeatedly, by injuries, but finally the 28-year-old appears to have found momentum. After missing just about the entire 2017 season, Black has made 29 appearances at Double-A and Triple-A, and he’s dominating. In 19 appearances since a promotion to the River Cats, Black has a 3.38 ERA and five saves in six chances. For so long, Black struggled with his command, but he has just six walks in 18 2/3 innings and an eye-opening 30 strikeouts. He struck out 20 in his 10 innings in Double-A. 

“No question he’s on the radar,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “The way he’s throwing the ball, sure, he’s talked about. This guy has really done a great job of getting his career back on track.”

Black seems like a perfect fit for a bullpen that could use a boost. Giants relievers rank 12th in the National League in strikeout rate, and Bochy has had to put together a daily puzzle to try and navigate the late innings. But the slow-playing of certain pitchers at the big league level is actually not a positive for Black, who has only pitched on back-to-back days twice in the minors because of his own injury history. Bochy said those restraints were recently taken off. 

“He’s not being treated with kid gloves so much anymore,” he said. “You can’t do that up here. There are times you have to get stretched out or go back-to-back so that’s why he’s checking off these boxes.”

Of more importance might be the fact that Black has recorded more than three outs on three occasions this year. He’s never going to be a consistent multi-inning guy, but he has one two-inning appearance this season and a few more would certainly help his cause. At the big league level, innings are being watched closely. Sam Dyson is off Friday to get another rest day, and Mark Melancon and Will Smith have had plenty of designated off days. While Cory Gearrin and Pierce Johnson would seem to be guys who could be moved, the staff values the fact that both can soak up innings. 

“With our needs right now, it’s not quite a need right now,” Bochy said of Black. “If we were looking for another one-inning guy, it would be different, but we’re covered there with four or five guys.”

San Francisco Giants

Find the latest San Francisco Giants news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.

Giants notes: Bulked-up Hicks ready for second shot in rotation

Luciano hopeful Giants position change will spark MLB breakout

Contact Us