The San Francisco Giants announced multiple roster moves earlier today. They moved lefty relief pitcher Erik Miller to the 15-day injured list with a low back strain. To fill the vacancy, the team recalled right-handed pitcher Trevor McDonald from Triple-A Sacramento.
This is a major blow to a Giants bullpen that has the second-best team bullpen ERA with a 3.04. But they have struggled to protect narrow late-inning leads.
These struggles have contributed to a six-game losing streak, leaving the Giants at 13-21 and firmly in last place in the NL West.
San Francisco Giants Have a Closer Problem
The Giants came into this season with a bullpen full of unknowns. The two returning arms from last year were Erik Miller and closer Ryan Walker.
Recently, San Francisco blew two 9th-inning leads in a doubleheader to the Philadelphia Phillies and a 1-0 8th-inning lead to the Tampa Bay Rays. Walker was responsible for the loss in the first game of the doubleheader. The Giants held a 2-1 lead before the right-handed reliever gave up 2 runs in the 9th inning.
Manager Tony Vitello gave Keaton Winn a shot to close the second game of the doubleheader. But the Phillies scored a run in the 9th inning to tie the game. Philadelphia won 6-5 in the 10th inning. It was another heartbreaking loss for the Giants.
Walker initially retained his role as a closer, but results have been inconsistent. He blew 7 saves last season and has recorded 3 more this year.
GettySan Francisco Giants reliever Erik Miller lands on the injured list.
Erik Miller’s Injury Complicates Things Further
Another option for the Giants to take over the closer role is Erik Miller. Miller was mainly used a lefty specialist who appeared in high-leverage situations last season. In 2025, the reliever posted a 1.50 ERA over 30 innings.
He holds a similar role as the Giants’ best left-handed reliever this season. Miller holds a 3.18 ERA and continues to be used in the late innings. He even recorded 2 saves, even though Miller has not recorded a save in his prior two seasons with the Giants.
What’s Next for the Giants
The Miller injury news was not the only move the Giants made today. They called up their No. 1 prospect, Bryce Eldridge, and No. 18 prospect, Jesus Rodriguez, in a major lineup shakeup. Subsequently, they DFA’d outfielder Jerar Encarnacion and optioned Will Brennan back to Triple-A Sacramento.
The Giants look to gain some momentum during a 6-game homestand against the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Giants Receive Critical Injury News on Key Reliever Erik Miller