Watson guides bullpen

Like so much else in a spedup season, the possible end of Tony Watson’s threeyear tenure with the Giants has sneaked up on him, the Giants and their fans.

His time in San Francisco has been successful. One could argue the 35yearold lefthander was most valuable in 2020 despite the season’s length.

Watson averted disaster in Game 1 of Friday’s doubleheader against the Padres, allowing three runs in the seventh but getting the final three outs of a 54 in victory at Oracle Park — an outlier performance. He came into the game with a 0.53 ERA, second only to San Diego lefthander Drew Pomeranz among National League pitchers who had thrown at least 15 innings. Pomeranz had not allowed a run, Watson just one.

Watson has held lefthanded hitters to two hits in 21 atbats, but righties also have struggled to hit him (9for45), demonstrating what Giantswatchers long knew: that he was not a specialist who might become extinct with the new threebatter minimum.

None of those numbers describes Watson’s greatest contribution. As the ranking member, he turned a bullpen full of rookies, journeymen and former starters into one of the sport’s best. Giants relievers led the majors with a 2.26 ERA over the past five weeks through Thursday.

“These guys are studs,” he said.

The coaching staff has much to do with that, of course, while Watson has embraced his role as an assistantcumpitcher.

“There are two types of leaders,” he said, “the ones that are vocal and rahrah and get the guys going, and the ones who lead by example and who get up every day and put in the work. I feel as a bullpen guy, that’s how I’ve hung my hat on my career, showing up, clocking in every day, doing the same routine.

“If these guys follow suit, see what I’m doing and, trying to get on a plan and a routine and have success on the mound, I think I’m doing my job.”

Shark sighting: Manager Gabe Kapler explained his decision to start Jeff Samardzija in the nightcap of Friday’s doubleheader after he had not pitched since Aug. 7 because of a shoulder injury. Kapler said Samardzija has looked good in alternatecamp games and was good for five innings or more depending on his pitch economy.

Kapler said Samardzija also was determined to help the Giants reach the playoffs.

“One of the things I respect most about Shark is how much he wants the baseball,” Kapler said. “This is an opportunity he has been pushing for, asking for, and he’s very excited to get.”