Giants Place Winn on IL, Call Up Beck as Bullpen Adjusts

The San Francisco Giants placed right-hander Keaton Winn on the 15-day injured list retroactive to June 11 due to a right elbow strain. Right-hander Tristan Beck was recalled from Triple-A in the corresponding move.

Giants manager Tony Vitello downplayed the severity of Winn’s injury, stating the reliever could begin throwing again in a “handful” of days. An MRI showed no structural damage, but the injury is concerning given Winn’s history of Tommy John surgery and an ulnar nerve transposition. The move marks a setback for a pitcher who has shown impressive numbers this season.

Winn posted a 3.23 ERA with a 21.8% strikeout rate and 7.6% walk rate across 30 2/3 innings. His 27.7% hard-hit rate ranked in the 96th percentile among MLB pitchers, and his 4.8% barrel rate was among the best in the league. However, a recent five-game stretch saw Winn post an 8.53 ERA, including a three-run outing on June 8 before his IL placement.

The Giants have leaned on Winn’s consistency in an otherwise volatile bullpen. Tristan Beck, who has struggled in his eight MLB innings with a 9.00 ERA, is now on his third major league call-up this season. Left-hander Matt Gage is also nearing a return after beginning a minor league rehab assignment following a 15-day IL stint due to knee inflammation.

On the starting pitching front, Tyler Mahle is set to begin a Triple-A rehab assignment after being sidelined since May 26 with a left hamstring strain. Mahle signed a one-year, $10 million contract with San Francisco this winter but has struggled with a 6.04 ERA through 56 2/3 innings. His 4.17 SIERA suggests better underlying performance, but 11 home runs allowed have hurt his effectiveness.

Mahle’s absence has given Trevor McDonald extended starts, including filling in for Logan Webb and Mahle. With the trade deadline approaching, a return to form from Mahle could make him a valuable trade asset for the Giants if they continue to struggle in the standings.

Position player Heliot Ramos is also nearing a rehab assignment after a month of recovery from a right quad strain. Ramos was hitting .267/.307/.424 with four homers in 176 plate appearances before his injury on May 15. A return to action in the minors could come soon.

The Giants will monitor Winn’s progress and decide if a longer IL stay is needed. Mahle’s rehab assignment is a key step in his return to the rotation, with a potential return in the coming weeks. Ramos’ rehab could also begin soon, offering hope for a key offensive contributor’s return to the lineup.