SF Giants sign former Athletics prospect to minor-league deal

The SF Giants have agreed to a minor-league contract with right-handed pitcher Parker Dunshee, according to the minor-league transaction wire. Dunshee had spent his entire professional career in the Oakland Athletics organization but was released earlier this season after just one appearance with the club's Triple-A affiliate.

A Zionsville, Indiana native, Dunshee was a four-year contributor in college t Wake Forest. After proving to be a top long reliever and setup man in his first two years on campus, he shifted to the rotation during his junior and senior seasons before he was drafted by the A's in the seventh round of the 2017 MLB Draft.

Dunshee is a funky righty with a deceptive delivery that helps his sinker play above its usual 88-92 mph velocity. With the ability to locate a slow curveball and hard slider, which is nearly as fast as his sinker, Dunshee breezed through the lower minor leagues early in his career.

In his first full professional season, Dunshee recorded a 2.33 ERA with 163 strikeouts in 150.2 innings of work between High-A and Double-A. Heading into 2019, Dunshee was ranked the 14th best prospect in the A's organization by Baseball America. He was quickly promoted to Triple-A the following season after posting a 1.89 ERA in six starts upon his return to Double-A, but then, Dunshee's lacking arsenal began to limit his effectiveness.

Across the past four seasons at Triple-A, Dunshee has a 7.38 ERA with 220 strikeouts and 110 walks in 247.2 innings pitched. His sinker's characteristics are solid, but neither of his breaking balls has developed into consistent plus offerings. Without a swing-and-miss pitch, Triple-A hitters have consistently squared Dunshee up. Trying to avoid hard contact, he's been forced to nibble more on the corners, leading his walk rate to spike to the highest levels of his career despite his above-average control.

Despite his struggles, the A's never moved Dunshee to the bullpen. The SF Giants may be looking to add Dunshee simply to bring in another player capable of handling innings in the upper minors. However, it's possible a move to the bullpen could give him an opportunity to add just enough velocity to be effective at the highest level of the minors.