Just three hours before their scheduled game against the Cincinnati Reds, the San Francisco Giants are switching up today’s starting pitcher.
Wednesday’s scheduled starter, Landen Roupp, will switch spots with ace Logan Webb, who will start against Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo in today’s series finale. Roupp will now take the mound Thursday against the Arizona Diamondbacks instead.
The reason behind the switch is unknown, although it is reportedly not related to any injury concern with Roupp.
The move gives Webb a chance to help San Francisco complete the sweep against Cincinnati. It also lines him up to pitch in the Giants’ series finale against the Atlanta Braves next week.
After a rough start to the season, in which his ERA climbed above 5.00, Webb has re-gained his All-Star form atop the Giants’ rotation. Over his last 15 starts, he has posted a 3.07 ERA with 70 strikeouts across 93.2 innings and a 0.96 WHIP.
Overall, Webb is 8-8 with a 3.75 ERA across 141.2 innings this season. He has recorded 112 strikeouts, a 1.11 WHIP and a 3.33 FIP.
Rumors swirled around the three-time All-Star leading up to this year’s trade deadline. However, the Giants quickly shut down any possibility of moving him.
San Francisco instead chose to hold onto one of the best pitchers in the sport with an eye toward competing again next season.
As for Roupp, the right-hander has endured an uneven season in his third year in the big leagues. He is 7-13 with a 4.34 ERA across 134.2 innings, recording 130 strikeouts and a 1.31 WHIP.
While Roupp may not be a frontline starter, he has proven to be a more than serviceable back-end option. He should remain an important part of San Francisco’s rotation plans moving forward.
The Giants have endured a disastrous first season under new manager Tony Vitello. They enter Wednesday at 54-78, which is the fourth-worst record in baseball.
With only 30 games remaining, San Francisco can use the rest of the season to evaluate who fits into its plans for next year.
After five straight disappointing seasons, it’s also possible president of baseball operations Buster Posey takes a more dramatic approach this offseason.
How much of this roster remains intact next season is anyone’s guess.
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