Broadway gives Giants fresh arm in bullpen

SAN FRANCISCO -- The San Francisco Giants purchased the contract of right-handed pitcher Mike Broadway from Triple-A Sacramento before Friday night's series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Broadway, 28, has never pitched in a Major League game, but will provide the Giants with some depth in their bullpen. He figures to help eat up innings for a team that has been without middle-reliever Jean Machi (groin) since June 5. Broadway assumes the roster spot vacated by Hunter Pence, who went on the disabled list with tendinitis in his left wrist.

The Paducah, Ky., native recorded a 1.35 ERA and five saves in 22 appearances with the River Cats. He struck out 39 batters and walked six in 26 2/3 innings.

"Broadway, he gives us another arm in the bullpen, a power arm," Bruce Bochy said before the Giants' series opener with the D-backs. "He's really having a nice year down there in Sacramento, so he's intriguing. We've been looking forward to giving him a look to take a look at what we have."

The 6-foot-5 right-hander bounced around in the Braves', Padres' and Nationals' Minor League systems before sticking with the Giants last season. He has pitched in the Minors since 2006.

"You have to admire his perseverance," Bochy said.

Broadway throws mainly a fastball and a slider, but said he has been working on a changeup with Sacramento pitching coach Dwight Bernard in his bullpen sessions.

Jake Peavy, who has made three starts for Sacramento on his injury-rehab assignment, told Broadway to "go with what [catcher Buster Posey] says and throw at his glove."

Broadway, who got the call from general manager Bobby Evans just after midnight, arrived at the team facility Friday morning. He's still trying to get his head on straight.

"It really is unbelievable; it's almost surreal." Broadway said. "I'm certainly blessed to be here."