SF Giants pitching prospect has 'no structural damage' in throwing elbow
The SF Giants received good news about young right-handed pitcher Keaton Winn (Giants Top 9 Prospect). Winn developed soreness in his throwing elbow after his last start at Triple-A and was examined by Dr. Ken Akizuki. Given Winn's injury history, having undergone UCL surgery in 2021, there were concerns about whether he would be able to return this season. However, Giants manager Gabe Kapler told reporters during his pregame availability on Saturday that the exam revealed positive news.
"What I have for you is there was no structural damage, and the gameplan is to get him some anti-inflammatories and get him back to pitching as soon as possible," Kapler said about Winn. Kapler later added that he still believes Winn would be able to help the big-league team this season.
Winn made his big-league debut with the Giants earlier this season and has a 4.09 ERA with 14 strikeouts and five walks in 22 innings pitched (five appearances) in the majors. He has also been the organization's most consistent starter at Triple-A Sacramento, recording a 4.47 ERA with 61 strikeouts and 25 walks in 52.1 innings pitched (15 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.
At his best, Keaton Winn has flashed the potential to be a solid mid-rotation arm with a comparable arsenal to former SF Giants ace Kevin Gausman. 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.
