Dodgers designate former SF Giants first-round pick for assignment
Former SF Giants first-round draft pick Phil Bickford was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday afternoon. The Dodgers, who just completed a trade with the Chicago White Sox for Joe Kelly and Lance Lynn, needed roster space for their new additions. Out of options and sporting a 5.14 ERA with 38 hits and 26 walks allowed in 42.0 innings pitched this season, Bickford was let go of by the Dodgers. With the trade deadline looming, there's still a possibility that the Dodgers could get some return for him in another deal.
Dodgers reliever Phil Bickford throws a pitch against the Blue Jays. (2023)
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Bickford, born and raised in Southern California, was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays 10th overall in the 2013 draft, but decided not to sign with the team. Instead, he attended Cal State Fullerton for his freshman year of college. He transferred to the College of Southern Nevada prior to his sophomore year in order to be eligible for the 2015 draft. With the 18th overall pick, he was chosen by the Giants.
The right-handed reliever spent 2015 with the AZL, the Giants' rookie-league affiliate in Arizona, pitching 22.1 innings and only allowing 13 hits and 6 walks. In 2016, he started the season with the Augusta GreenJackets and was promoted to San Jose in June. But at the trade deadline, he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers with catcher Andrew Susac in exchange for pitcher Will Smith.
Bickford was promising in the Brewers' system. He made his MLB debut on September 1st, 2020, but struggled to solidify himself on the pitching staff. In April of the following year, the Brewers designated him for assignment.
The Dodgers claimed Bickford off waivers in 2021, and he quickly found a role. In 56 games that season he posted a 4-2 record with a 2.50 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 50.1 innings. He appeared in six postseason games for the team, allowing four hits and no runs in six innings pitched. But from 2022 onward his performance declined (he posted a 4.72 ERA in 60 appearances last season).
Despite his struggles, Phil Bickford seems to have a strong enough track record to at least be claimed off waivers by a team in need of bullpen depth. However, given the depth of the SF Giants staff, a reunion with his first professional organization seems unlikely.
