Carson Whisenhunt: Everything you need to know

The Giants optioned Whisenhunt to Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports. Though Whisenhunt had shown improved velocity during spring training, he struggled with his command and control. Over four appearances (two starts) during Cactus League play, Whisenhunt was charged with 10 earned runs on eight hits and eight walks while striking out 14 batters over 9.1 innings. With Whisenhunt sent down and with Hayden Birdsong (forearm) set to begin the season on the injured list, Trevor McDonald and Carson Seymour would appear to be first in line to join the San Francisco rotation if a spot were to open up.

Whisenhunt logged a blown save in Monday's 6-5 Cactus League win over the White Sox, allowing four earned runs on five hits and a walk while striking out two across 1.2 innings. Whisenhunt entered in the third inning and surrendered two singles and a double that led to two runs. He then allowed a walk and two doubles before being pulled in the fourth, as the White Sox took a 4-3 lead. On a more positive note, the southpaw averaged 95.6 mph on his four-seamer, a significant uptick from his average of 92.6 mph in 2025. The 25-year-old could compete for a spot in the bullpen ahead of Opening Day, but it wouldn't be surprising if he begins the season in Triple-A Sacramento's rotation. He recorded a 5.01 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 16:12 K:BB while giving up six long balls across 23.1 innings in five starts for San Francisco last season.

Whisenhunt was sitting 96-97 mph during a simulated game Thursday, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports. Delos Santos notes that the readings were courtesy of Trackman, so it's a legitimate velocity increase for Whisenhunt, who averaged 92.6 mph with his four-seamer last season. It will be interesting to watch whether the southpaw is able to carry the velocity spike into Cactus League play and the regular season, as it could help spur a breakout. Whisenhunt entered spring training likely on the outside looking in for a spot in the Giants' rotation after holding a 5.01 ERA and 16:12 K:BB over 23.1 innings covering five starts in 2025.