Approximately five months after the San Francisco Giants released him from his managerial role, Bob Melvin is making a return to the Oakland Athletics as a special assistant to baseball operations, the Athletics officially announced on Thursday morning in Scottsdale, Arizona. Melvin, 64, who managed the Giants over the 2024 and 2025 seasons, will bring his extensive MLB experience back to the Athletics organization.
During his time with the Giants, Melvin amassed a 161-163 record, but the team did not reach the postseason in either year under his leadership. Despite the Giants exercising his contract option for the 2026 season in July, they ultimately dismissed Melvin following the conclusion of the 2025 regular season. Financially, the Giants face commitments totaling $10.5 million for their managerial position this season, factoring in Melvin’s salary, incoming manager Tony Vitello’s contract, and Vitello’s buyout from Tennessee.
Melvin’s Extensive Managerial Career and Historical Success
Bob Melvin’s history with the Athletics spans more than a decade, having served as Oakland’s manager from 2011 through 2021. His tenure with the A’s included a winning record of 853-764 and six playoff appearances during the 2012-2014 and 2018-2020 seasons. Notably, Melvin was honored as the American League Manager of the Year twice, in 2012 and again in 2018.
Beyond the Athletics and Giants, Melvin has managed several other MLB teams, including the Seattle Mariners (2003-2004), Arizona Diamondbacks (2005-2009), and San Diego Padres (2022-2023). He received the National League Manager of the Year award in 2007 while with the Diamondbacks. Over his extensive career, Melvin’s overall managerial record stands at 1678-1588, placing him 20th all-time in managerial wins.
Originating from the South Bay area, Melvin attended Menlo-Atherton High School before advancing to Cal and Cañada College. Prior to his managerial career, he spent 10 years as a Major League Baseball player, including three seasons with the Giants between 1986 and 1988.
Pitching and Position Player Updates from Giants Spring Training
As spring training progresses, the Giants have announced their starting pitchers for key upcoming games. Right-handed pitcher Hayden Birdsong will start the Cactus League opener against the Seattle Mariners at the Peoria Sports Complex, while left-hander Robbie Ray is scheduled to start the Giants’ Cactus League home opener versus the Chicago Cubs at Scottsdale Stadium.
Included in Saturday’s lineup against the Mariners are several position players notable for their potential and performance: top prospect Bryce Eldridge, left fielder Heliot Ramos, center fielder Harrison Bader, and infielders Casey Schmitt and Christian Koss.
With San Francisco’s starting rotation nearly set, Birdsong, 24, is primarily competing for a spot in the bullpen as a reliever, a role he filled on Opening Day last season before moving into the rotation midseason after Jordan Hicks was demoted. However, Birdsong’s 2025 campaign was inconsistent, marked by command struggles that led to a demotion to Triple-A Sacramento late in the season. The Giants opted to keep him in the minors despite their need for starting pitchers.
General manager Zack Minasian addressed Birdsong’s situation:
“There’s a lot of pitchers in camp and (we’re) just trying to put the best group together,”
said Minasian.
Certainly think he has the ability to be a major league starter and a very good one. I think we’ve seen that in flashes. But if we leave camp and feel really strongly that this is one of the best eight guys to go in the ‘pen, it’s at least going to be a consideration.
– Zack Minasian, Giants GM
Sam Hentges Shares Progress on Recovery and Readiness
Left-handed reliever Sam Hentges updated reporters on his recovery status on Thursday morning, indicating steady progression after two surgeries: a left shoulder procedure in September 2024 and right knee surgery in September 2025. Hentges reported feeling positive about his knee and is concentrating on regaining full strength and sharpness in his shoulder.
“Shaking the rust off a little bit,”
Hentges commented.
When asked about his return timeline, he described his recovery as a “day-to-day” process, noting that the coaching staff and trainers take a more cautious week-to-week approach. He remains focused on daily progression, whether it involves heavy throwing or recovery days.
“For me, it’s kind of a day-to-day thing,”
he said.
For the coaching staff and the trainers, it’s more of a week-to-week. I don’t know if there’s a timetable. I haven’t really asked, to be honest with you because I want to be focused on each day and kind of attack it, whether it’s a heavy day throwing or a day to recover. Just taking that day and trying to continue to progress.
– Sam Hentges, Left-handed Reliever
Currently, Hentges has been conducting bullpen sessions consisting of 40 pitches split into two sets, but he has not yet participated in live bullpen workouts, which began last Friday. Given this, there is uncertainty about whether he will be ready for the Giants’ Opening Day roster.
Minasian acknowledged the staff’s approach toward Hentges’ recovery:
“I wouldn’t necessarily phrase it as we’ll play it safe, but we definitely want to be smart,”
Minasian remarked. – Zack Minasian, Giants GM
Giants Promote Dave Groeschner to Vice President of Medical and Performance
The Giants revealed Thursday that Dave Groeschner has been elevated to vice president of medical and performance, marking a significant milestone in his nearly 30-year career with the franchise. Prior to the promotion, Groeschner served as the senior director of athletic training, contributing over three decades of expertise to the team’s player health and development.
“Gresch’s leadership and expertise for over three decades have been an integral part of this organization’s success,”
stated Buster Posey, president of baseball operations.
I know firsthand the care and dedication that Gresch has for our players and organization. We look forward to his continued influence in this new role.
– Buster Posey, Giants President of Baseball Operations
In addition to his duties with the Giants, Groeschner will join Team USA for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, where he will closely monitor several players, including right-handed pitcher Logan Webb.
