Giants bring in more pitching depth, add Junis on one-year deal

SCOTTSDALE -- A decade ago, Carlos Rodon hoped Jakob Junis would join him at North Carolina State and chase a national championship. Junis wound up signing with the Kansas City Royals, but on Monday they finally became teammates.

A few minutes after they announced Rodon's two-year deal, the Giants introduced Junis on a big league contract. The veteran right-hander will make $1.75 million this season.

"It's something that happened pretty quick," Junis said. "There were a couple of other teams in the mix but I'm very, very happy that San Francisco was a landing spot."

Junis has spent five years in the big leagues, all with the Royals. He adds rotation depth, something the Giants still need given the injury questions with their five-man rotation, but Junis also made 10 appearances out of the bullpen last season. He could take on a "bulk innings" role for a bullpen that doesn't currently have a long reliever and he also has an option remaining, which is helpful. 

Junis had a 5.26 ERA last season but struck out more than a batter per inning. He has had good command in the big leagues, and has relied primarily on his slider, which opponents hit just .190 off last year. 

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The Giants signed Rodon to fill out their rotation but now have added Junis and Carlos Martinez as depth options. Both have experience out of the bullpen.

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