Bochy opts for 1 lefty reliever
The Giants will open the season with just one left-handed reliever, an uncommon practice in the Bruce Bochy era, which has included long runs by Jeremy Affeldt and Javier Lopez.
“If anything,” Bochy said with a smile, “it keeps you from going out there (to the mound) so many times.”
Despite a dominating spring training by Steven Okert, the lefty was shipped to Triple-A Sacramento because the Giants preferred to keep right-hander Neil Ramirez, who could have opted out of his contract if the Giants didn’t keep him.
When the final roster was settled, the lone lefty reliever was Ty Blach, who has relieved just four times in pro ball: twice last year with the Giants and twice in Class A in 2013.
“Not an easy call on that last one,” Bochy said. “Okert had a very nice spring. He gave up one run. He did all he could.”
Bochy said the decision was made easier because he’s confident his right-handed relievers can succeed against left-handed batters. He announced the bullpen moves after Saturday’s exhibition at the Coliseum, and Okert wasn’t in the clubhouse to respond.
Okert’s ERA was 0.93. Ramirez’s was 3.18 — most impressive were his 19 strikeouts in 111⁄3 innings.
Ramirez was one of baseball’s top relievers with the 2014 Cubs, sporting a 1.44 ERA in 50 games, but injuries limited him in 2015 and he struggled with control last year while appearing for three big-league teams.
“It’s something I really tried to focus on in the offseason, not trying to make my stuff any better but pitching with what I’ve got and putting it in good spots,” said Ramirez, who throws mostly fastballs and sliders but has a curve and changeup from his starting days in the minors.
Blach got a bullpen job once the Giants gave the final rotation spot to Matt Cain. With lefty Will Smith on the disabled list after Tommy John surgery and Okert and Josh Osich targeted for Triple-A, Blach could get summoned for extra duty.
“I have to be ready for pretty much anything,” he said. “Be ready for left-handed guys. Be ready for long relief situations. Be ready to spot start. Be ready for late inning situations. It could be all of the above.”
Bochy said he’ll meet with his relievers before Sunday’s season opener in Arizona to define roles.
Three players invited to spring training on minor-league contracts made the team: Ramirez, infielder Aaron Hill and outfielder Chris Marrero.
Marrero, who hit eight homers in the spring, also will play first base, as he did Saturday. Jarrett Parker will get most of the time in left field, platooning with Marrero and Gorkys Hernandez.
“I’ll remember it the rest of my life,” said Marrero, looking ahead to his first Opening Day in the big leagues. “Being in here with a group of guys who have made so much history, I’m honored to be on this team.”
Cain sounded thrilled that Blach, who competed with him for the fifth rotation spot, made the roster. “He’s a huge asset for us. I’m looking forward to being able to see him throw all year.”