Giants option McDonald following gem, recall Peguero
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SAN FRANCISCO -- Seven strong innings and a victory against the Padres on Monday night were not enough to save right-handed rookie Trevor McDonald from another trip to Triple-A Sacramento.
The Giants optioned McDonald on Tuesday to make room for right-handed reliever Joel Peguero, who was activated from the injured list for his season debut after recovering from a left hamstring strain.
McDonald held the Padres to a Jackson Merrill solo homer over seven innings by pounding the strike zone and striking out eight without a walk.
He threw 81 pitches, which would have made him unavailable out of the bullpen for several days, and the Giants needed to add Peguero after his rehab ended.
Manager Tony Vitello said it’s only a matter of time before McDonald returns, and even though the manager views McDonald as a candidate to close, the club needs him to remain stretched out as a starter in Sacramento.
McDonald knew Monday’s start could be a one-and-done.
“Obviously you want to stay up here, but this is part of it,” he said. “I’ll go back to Sacramento and do the best I can to be back up here as soon as I can.”