SF Giants shut down projected four starter with elbow soreness
The SF Giants announced in a press release on Wednesday that right-handed pitcher Keaton Winn (Top 10 Prospect) has been shut down with soreness in his throwing elbow. Winn was projected to be the number four starter in San Francisco's Opening Day rotation, which will already be missing Alex Cobb and Robbie Ray. Now, there is added uncertainty surrounding the Giants unproven projected staff.
SF Giants SP Keaton Winn pitches against the Colorado in the first inning. (2023)
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
"Keaton Winn is experiencing right elbow soreness after his last bullpen," according to the team's press release. "He underwent an MRI, which revealed no structural damage. He'll rest and receive treatment and will be re-evaluated this weekend."
Winn made his big-league debut with the Giants last season and posted a 4.68 ERA with 35 strikeouts and eight walks in 42.1 innings pitched (nine appearances) in the majors. However, his first big-league stint was interrupted by elbow soreness that required a stint on the injured list. He has also been the organization's most consistent starter at Triple-A Sacramento, recording a 4.81 ERA with 66 strikeouts and 26 walks in 58 innings pitched (17 games) in the incredibly hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.
The Giants drafted Winn in the fifth round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of Iowa Western Community College and signed him away from a commitment to TCU. In college, Winn had flashed mid-90s velocity and an above-average slider but had been unable to sustain his premium velocity. Since turning pro, however, Winn has developed an excellent splitter that pairs well with a fastball that can reach the high-90s.
If Winn is unavailable for the start of the season, the Giants have even more reason to make a late-offseason push for top free agent starting pitchers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery. However, if they continue to prioritize limiting their long-term payroll commitments, then Winn's injury opens the door for non-roster invitee Daulton Jefferies and other young prospects, like Mason Black, to potentially fill his role.
At his best, Winn has flashed the potential to be a solid mid-rotation arm with a comparable arsenal to former SF Giants aces like Kevin Gausman and Jason Schmidt. For now, though, the team's training staff is focused on helping him get back to 100% with hopes to get him back on the field soon.
