SF Giants could slot a familiar face back into rotation during series vs. Padres

CHICAGO — A Giants team that’s missing two starting pitchers could add another arm to its rotation during the upcoming four-game set against the Padres.

With Johnny Cueto on the 10-day injured list due to a right elbow strain and Alex Wood on the COVID-19 injured list after testing positive for the coronavirus, the Giants are considering adding Scott Kazmir to the roster this week.

Kazmir last pitched for Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday as he threw six innings of two-run ball against the Salt Lake City Bees, but he won’t make his next scheduled start for the River Cats. Giants manager Gabe Kapler said he called Kazmir Saturday and asked him to prepare to be flexible this week as the club has not made a determination on when he might be activated and what role he would fill right away.

Considering Kazmir has thrown at least four innings in each of his last four outings at Triple-A, it would make sense for the Giants to use him as a starter or to cover several innings in a bullpen game.

Kapler said the Giants will likely have a bullpen game in Monday’s series opener against the Padres, but wanted to see how much he needed to use his relievers in Sunday’s series finale against the Cubs before committing to that plan. With Logan Webb starting Sunday in Chicago, the Giants will likely have right-hander Anthony DeSclafani pitch on Tuesday.

A strong start from DeSclafani could be key for San Francisco this week as the Giants will likely have another bullpen game on Wednesday, which might be the most likely day for Kazmir to join the roster.

Wood is scheduled to throw a bullpen on Monday at Oracle Park, but it’s unlikely he’ll return to the rotation within the next 7-10 days as he’s been out since Aug. 30 after testing positive for COVID-19. The Giants are uncertain whether Cueto will be able to return to the roster during the regular season as the veteran right-hander isn’t expected to start a throwing program until the end of the week.

Kazmir had not pitched in the majors since 2016 before appearing in three games for the Giants during the first half of the season. The lefty signed a minor league contract with San Francisco during spring training with the hope he could author a surprising comeback story.

Kazmir had his contract selected by the Giants on May 22 so he could start against the Dodgers, but the lefty was designated for assignment during the first week of June after giving up two runs in two innings in a start against the Cubs.

After going unclaimed on waivers, Kazmir remained in the Giants’ organization and spent time at Triple-A Sacramento before pitching for Team USA in the Tokyo Olympics. Since returning from the Olympics, Kazmir has steadily improved and has given himself another chance to help the Giants this season by showcasing strong command in his recent outings.