SAN FRANCISCO – It seemed likely after Thursday’s game in Washington, D.C., that Camilo Duval He will be removed from the linebacker role, at least temporarily. On Friday, the New York Giants removed him from the active roster entirely.
Duvall was optioned to Sacramento’s third-string team, a stunning move for a relief pitcher who was an All-Star last year and has been the team’s starter since the final week of the 2021 season. Duvall led the National League in saves last year and has 22 this season, but many of his outings have been risky, and his lack of control has put manager Bob Melvin in a tough spot on the recent road trip.
Duvall, who has given up five saves this season, heads to Sacramento with a 4.70 ERA and 1.61 WHIP — both worst of his career — in 44 innings over 46 games this year.
After Duvall struck out on Monday, the bases were packed Wednesday before he got a double that ended the game. On Thursday, a pair of hits and three runs on a home run sent the game into extra innings. Both times, Melvin had to get another relief pitcher, something he has done a lot in recent weeks with Duvall, who has already been replaced by Ryan Walker During one of the difficult journeys.
The Giants may see this as an opportunity for Duvall to work on his leadership, but giving him the option to return to the lower division rather than being demoted to another role is rare, and there seems to be more at play here. Duvall frustrated Gabe Kapler’s system with his lack of attention to detail, and Melvin seems to be fed up, too.
Walker has been the team’s best relief pitcher this season and looks likely to be the choice to pitch in the ninth inning. Jordan Hicks also has experience closing out the ball, and his velocity has returned to the high 90s since the Giants moved him back to the relief bullpen.
In addition to Duvall’s option, the Giants also sent catcher Jackson Reitz to Sacramento. Veteran center fielder Curt Casali was reassigned from the paternity list and right-handed pitcher Landen Rupp was called up from Triple-A.
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