The San Francisco Giants recalled left-hander Kyle Harrison from Triple-A Sacramento on Monday. The move adds a left-handed option to the Giants bullpen ahead of their series opener against the Chicago Cubs.
Right-hander Lou Trivino was designated for assignment to create a roster spot for Harrison.
Harrison, who was viewed as a candidate for a starting role earlier this year, will pitch in relief, according to manager Bob Melvin.
"Kyle is one of our guys in this organization, and there’s probably a little bit of a need for a second lefty that can give you some length," Melvin said Monday. "What we're trying to do here is, you know, you pitch well and you perform well then you work your way back, not necessarily in the role that he was in there."
The 23-year-old began the season at Triple-A after being slowed by illness during Spring Training. He recorded a 3.46 ERA with 38 strikeouts across 26 innings in six starts for Sacramento.
Harrison reported an increase in his fastball velocity during his recent starts in the Minors. His four-seam fastball averaged 92.5 mph last season but recently topped out near 98 mph.
He spent time in the offseason rehabbing a left shoulder impingement from last year. Falling ill before camp set him back further, causing him to lose approximately 15 pounds. He focused on rebuilding strength and refining mechanics in Sacramento.
"It’s great to see," Harrison said of his velocity increase. "I haven’t seen that in a little while. Going back to the shoulder injury, that was the frustrating part. I just couldn’t get over that hump. My mechanics were bad. I just really took that kind of month and change in Sacramento to feel right and implement those routines and get the arm height up. We’re seeing great results."
The veteran Trivino, 33, posted a 5.84 ERA in 11 appearances for the San Francisco Giants this season. He allowed two hits over a scoreless inning Sunday against Colorado.
"You look around the league and there's going to be opportunities for Lou, and probably a better opportunity for Lou," Melvin said. "With the way our bullpen was pitching, he wasn't getting regular work. He wasn't pitching in the type of roles that he was used to."
