The San Francisco Giants' second-half focus on evaluating their starting rotation for the upcoming season has been complicated by an elbow strain suffered by 25-year-old right-hander Trevor McDonald. McDonald was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, with Tristan Beck called up to replace him on the roster.
Mcdonald flew back to San Francisco for further evaluation. The team expects to have a clearer understanding of his condition by Wednesday morning. Manager Tony Vitello stated that while they are planning for McDonald to have a period of rest, the ultimate outlook depends on the upcoming medical reports.
As of now, Logan Webb and Landen Roupp appear to be the only solidified members of next year's rotation. Adrian Houser is under contract through 2027 but has been moved to the bullpen. Robbie Ray and Tyler Mahle are both slated to become free agents and are considered likely trade candidates before the August 3 deadline.
McDonald debuted in late 2023 with one appearance and followed up with two strong starts last September, seemingly earning a spot in this season's big-league rotation. Vitello noted that at his best, McDonald "literally feels at the end of the day like he won the game for us." However, his 14 starts prior to the injury were inconsistent, leaving the Giants uncertain about his ability to maintain a rotation spot over a full 162-game season.
Vitello mentioned that McDonald was seeking more consistency in the second half. The pitcher demonstrated his potential on May 4 against the Padres, striking out eight batters over seven innings without a walk. He had four subsequent starts where he allowed one run or fewer. Conversely, he failed to complete four innings in four other starts, including two instances where he surrendered seven or more runs.
McDonald's season statistics before landing on the IL included a 3-7 record, a 5.12 earned run average, and 57 strikeouts against 35 combined walks and hit batters in 70 ⅓ innings. Vitello described McDonald as a ground ball pitcher whose damage is typically limited.
Despite the team's wait-and-see approach regarding McDonald's return, the combination of an elbow issue and strain raises concerns about his pitching future. While McDonald has made 16 of his 18 career appearances as a starter, he could potentially serve as a bullpen option, a role the Giants explored with him during spring training. Vitello suggested McDonald's versatility and pitching style could provide value to the team in various capacities.
In McDonald's absence, the injury may offer the Giants an extended look at another young pitcher, Carson Whisenhunt. The 25-year-old left-hander was already expected to receive a longer opportunity in the second half, particularly if Ray or Mahle are traded. McDonald's placement on the injured list could accelerate Whisenhunt's potential call-up.