The San Francisco Giants are confronting a difficult spring training period with several bullpen injuries complicating their roster decisions. Among those competing for spots, JT Brubaker, acquired last year from the Yankees in exchange for Camilo Doval, has shown uneven performance, raising concerns about the Giants’ bullpen depth ahead of the regular season.
JT Brubaker’s Early Spring Training Struggles
JT Brubaker, a 32-year-old right-hander who missed significant time due to Tommy John surgery, has yet to establish consistent form during the current spring camp. After spending much of last season at Triple-A Sacramento, Brubaker appeared in 17 major league games combined for the Yankees and Giants, posting a 3.77 ERA with 22 strikeouts over 28.2 innings. However, in spring training this year, his results have been less promising. Over three innings pitched, he has registered a 6.00 ERA, allowing four hits, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out only three batters. Opponents have managed a .333 batting average against him during this time.
Brubaker showed some improvement in a recent split-squad game, throwing three innings with one hit allowed, one run, two walks, and a strikeout. Nevertheless, his limited spring workload—compared to 2023 when he made five starts for the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 5.19 ERA—makes it difficult for the Giants to fully assess his readiness for a key bullpen role.
Injuries Force Giants to Consider Additional Bullpen Options
With three left-handed relievers sidelined due to injury and Joel Peguero nursing a Grade 2 hamstring strain, the Giants’ bullpen depth remains uncertain. Finding a reliable arm is crucial, especially as Brubaker and others have yet to solidify their roles. The Giants may need to pursue external options to ensure enough sturdy bullpen arms are available for Opening Day.
Veteran Left-Hander Danny Coulombe as a Possible Target
Among the available free agents, left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe stands out as an affordable and effective choice. Last season, Coulombe played for both the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers, excelling particularly with Minnesota as one of Major League Baseball’s top set-up men. He finished with a combined 2.30 ERA in 53 games, including a stellar 1.16 ERA over 40 contests with the Twins, striking out 31 and walking nine in 31 innings.
Coulombe’s consistent sub-3.00 ERA performance since 2022, achieved with the Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and Rangers, makes him an attractive option for San Francisco, especially given their current bullpen uncertainties. Bringing him in could foster more competition and stability for the Giants as they close in on the start of the season.
Searching for Stability Amid Uncertainty
The Giants have a narrow window to finalize their bullpen, and with JT Brubaker’s performances still uneven, the team is likely to explore all available options to strengthen their relief corps. Adding a veteran like Danny Coulombe or a similar left-handed reliever could provide the depth and balance needed as injuries continue to impact their roster. This move could prove pivotal for the Giants’ bullpen effectiveness throughout the season and offer manager more reliable options late in games.
