MIAMI -- The Giants have settled their immediate pitching plans.
With Tyler Mahle expected to return from the injured list and start Wednesday against the A's, manager Tony Vitello said before Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Marlins at loanDepot park that Trevor McDonald will remain in the rotation, with Adrian Houser shifting to a bullpen role.
“I don't think anybody's ever going to be happy about it,” Houser told reporters before the Giants’ finale in Miami on Sunday. “At the end of the day, there's still a job to get done, [I’ll] keep going out here, keep putting up with my work and try to get outs. Pretty much as simple as that.”
The move allows McDonald -- who gave up five runs (three earned) on three hits, hit three and walked three batters, while striking out just one Marlin -- to keep his spot in the rotation.
Houser was the Giants' biggest free-agent addition over the offseason, signing a two-year, $22 million contract to be a starter. The 33-year-old owns a 5.73 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP.
To Vitello, Houser has found a rhythm in the middle innings, running into the most trouble when facing a lineup for the first and third time in a game. Now midway through the season, the switch in roles aims to give the right-hander a chance to settle down.
What has been off for the right-hander are the mechanics -- by his own assessment.
“That's more so what it's coming down to, is being more consistent with mechanics,” Houser said. “And just a little bit better pitch sequence. I felt like I haven't really pitched like myself … in the way I was attacking guys last year.”
In 14 starts this season, Houser sports a 9.64 ERA in the first inning. Opposing hitters are batting .418 with a 1.148 OPS against Houser when they face the right-hander for the third time. Left-handed hitters are also batting .339 against Houser with nine home runs in 168 at-bats.
The lack of consistency in Houser’s mechanics have also affected his ability to execute every pitch the way he wants. That, in turn, impacts his pitch sequencing, which he believes has been a key factor in his struggles against lefties.
The one thing that has shown up consistently when Houser has done well in innings is getting behind his offspeed pitches, something that has faltered throughout the season.
“I think just throwing those offspeed pitches with conviction,” Vitello said. “There's been times where he's kind of leaked out with his body and he's underneath those pitches. And I'm not in the box, but there's times where, from the dugout, it's telegraphed.”
As for whether the move is permanent, Vitello said the Giants will continue to take things series by series. With the Miami series mapped out and Logan Webb scheduled to close it out on Sunday, the off-day Monday will serve as a chance to regroup.
“Something may click for him or somebody else,” Vitello said. “And then something may open up for another reason. But all you got to do is look to the past. He's capable of giving you a quality start.”
The 10-year veteran owns a 4.20 ERA in his career and since he is built up, he would essentially come up in spots where he can eat up a lot of innings.
“They said for now, so I would assume [that the move is not permanent],” Houser said. “I just need to start pitching better and get back to how it was last year and the rest will take care of itself.”
For now, the Giants should be slated to start Robbie Ray on Tuesday and Landen Roupp on Thursday. They will also need to make a corresponding roster move when Mahle is activated.