DeSclafani hones curve in building on successes
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Before Anthony DeSclafani’s first spring start, Giants manager Gabe Kapler described his workouts to date as “methodical, professional, calm. Nothing really to report.”
That sort of sums up DeSclafani’s entire oeuvre with San Francisco. He does his job and does it well, no fuss, no muss.
DeSclafani worked three innings at Scottsdale Stadium, allowing two hits and a walk and escaping a bases-loaded jam in the second without allowing a run. He also uncorked a curveball, something he has used in limited fashion, but after messing around with it this winter, it started feeling good. On Friday, the Giants’ projected No. 3 starter used it to good effect in what was a 10-2 loss to Cleveland.
“I’ve been happy with it,” he said, noting that Joey Bart did a good job framing the pitch, too. “I really wanted to see what is was going to be like in the game today, how hitters were going to react. I threw some for strikes, got some outs on some, got a swing and miss, so I’m really encouraged by it . ... I think it’ll be a good fit for me this year.”
DeSclafani did some fine work last year after signing a one-year deal in free agency, winning 13 games and putting up a 3.9 WAR without much fanfare.
“I think he made contributions that weren’t entirely appreciated,” Kapler said. “I think it took all of us until after the season to kind of appreciate how good he was, and over a sustained period of time.”
Others in the rotation took the spotlight: All-Star Kevin Gausman, and Logan Webb with his breakout season. DeSclafani impressed the right people, though: the front-office folks, who signed him to a three-year, $36 million deal.
“I think I had a great year. I was happy with it,” he said. “I know they appreciate me here.”
The Giants re-signed Alex Wood and also signed lefthander Carlos Rodón and Alex Cobb to round out the rotation. “I think we’re nasty,” DeSclafani said.
Briefly: Mike Yastrzemski hit his first homer of the spring and said everything feels “relaxed and smooth” with his swing after focusing on lightening up his front foot. He has been hitting off the “left-handed” breaking-ball machine, which can be adjusted for various arm angles, and the foam-ball machine . ... Tyler Beede, who is out of options, threw into the high 90s with his fastball but allowed two hits, two walks and four runs in 12⁄3 innings . ... Jarlín Garcia allowed five runs in one inning .. ... The Giants optioned outfielder Jaylin Davis and reassigned right-hander Cody Carroll, infielder Wyatt Mathisen and outfielder Ka’ai Tom.