In Scottsdale, Trevor McDonald’s locker sits just five spots away from Landen Roupp’s in the San Francisco Giants’ spring training clubhouse, symbolizing the career trajectory McDonald hopes to emulate. Roupp, who began as a starting pitcher in the minors, impressed so much two springs ago that the Giants elevated him to their Opening Day bullpen. After 19 relief appearances and four starts that season, Roupp secured a spot in the starting rotation the following spring, where he remains firmly entrenched.
Although no starting role currently exists for McDonald, he has established himself as one of the top 13 pitchers during camp, similar to Roupp’s status at that point. McDonald benefits from close mentorship, counting Roupp among his best friends and travel companions.
Me and him are best friends and ride to and from the field every day and talk about that stuff,
McDonald shared.
Whether it’s the bullpen, rotation, whatever, my main goal is just wherever they need me, be ready to be there and compete when I get the opportunity.
Strong Spring Performances and Increased Velocity Boost McDonald
McDonald has demonstrated sharp pitching throughout spring training, striking out two batters in a dominant inning against the Oakland Athletics on Monday. His velocity has notably increased, with his sinker reaching a top speed of 97.2 mph and averaging 95 mph during that outing. These figures top his best recorded velocities from the previous season, when he hit 94.9 mph in major league appearances and 96.7 mph in the minors.
It’s in the tank. If you look back a couple years ago in the minor leagues that was there,
McDonald explained.
“I’ve just kind of been a lot more intentional in my sleep and recovery and what I’ve been putting in my body this offseason.”
To improve his performance, McDonald has focused on better rest habits, including earlier bedtimes and experimenting with the carnivore diet—a regimen also favored by fellow right-handers Adrian Houser and Carson Seymour. Though he follows this diet less strictly than his peers, McDonald has gained about 15 pounds since last spring training, attributing the change to increased nutritional awareness. Smiling, he admitted, I like to eat.
McDonald’s Major League Experience Offers Confidence Advantage
While McDonald’s path resembles Roupp’s, one major difference exists: Roupp had never thrown in a major league game before earning his bullpen spot, whereas McDonald made several appearances in 2024. Last season, he delivered strong performances, including six impressive innings during the Giants’ final road trip at Dodger Stadium in September.
These experiences have bolstered his confidence heading into this spring.
Coming into this spring it makes you hungry to get back up there and compete,
McDonald said.
Logan Webb Prepares for World Baseball Classic After Spring Debut
Veteran right-hander Logan Webb is set to pitch in his first spring training game on Tuesday and plans to start one more before joining Team USA for the World Baseball Classic. Although pitchers Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal have drawn the most attention leading up to the event, Webb could share ace duties for the United States, expected to face Brazil in the initial pool game on March 6.
Skubal announced he will pitch only once in the tournament, while Webb intends to stay with the team through its entire run, whether it culminates with a championship or elimination.
Giants Start Strong in Spring Following Last Season’s Success
The Giants continued their excellent spring training form by defeating the Athletics 6-2, improving their record to 3-0 and picking up where they left off after achieving the best record in the 2025 Cactus League. Aside from a rough first inning on Saturday, the pitching staff has been dominant over 27 innings.
Right-hander Marques Johnson delivered the most notable performance on Monday by striking out all three batters he faced in the sixth inning. Johnson, 25, was acquired from the Boston Red Sox in a mid-season trade for Mauricio Llovera. Last year, Johnson recorded a 2.53 ERA over 41 appearances across two minor league levels and struck out 78 batters in 57 innings.
Introduction of New Pitcher Trystan Vrieling to Giants Bullpen
The Giants’ pitchers and coaching staff also gained their first look at right-hander Trystan Vrieling, obtained in last year’s trade involving Camilo Doval. Vrieling, 25, made a relief appearance during Monday’s game, working through some challenging moments. His fastball peaked at 96.2 mph, and though he allowed one walk and one single, he struck out one batter in a scoreless inning.
After the trade, Vrieling made seven starts for Double-A Richmond’s Flying Squirrels, posting a 5.14 ERA and striking out 29 batters in 28 innings.
Injury Updates and Training Progress Among Giants Pitchers
Several Giants pitchers are in various stages of recovery this spring. Tyler Mahle, who was ill last week, appeared ready to return after throwing a simulated inning on Tuesday and is expected to join the spring rotation soon. Jason Foley and Sam Hentges continue to progress through shoulder and knee rehabilitation, respectively, with the staff exercising particular caution regarding Hentges, who may not be prepared for Opening Day.
Joel Peguero, recovering from hamstring tightness, has resumed bullpen sessions and is slated for a live batting practice session on Friday.
