by SAN FRANCISCO — It seemed likely after Thursday’s game in Washington D.C. that Camilo Doval would be removed from the running back role, at least temporarily. On Friday, the Giants removed him from the entire active roster.
Doval was sent to Triple-A Sacramento, a surprising move for a reliever who was an All-Star last year and has been the team’s primary shortstop since the final week of the 2021 season. Doval led the NL in saves last year and has 22 this season, but several of his outings have become dicey, and his lack of command put manager Bob Melvin in a tough spot on the recent road trip.
Doval, who has blown 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 appearances this year.
After striking out all three batters on Monday, Doval loaded the bases Wednesday before grounding into a game-ending double play. On Thursday, two walks and a three-run home run forced extra time. Both times, Melvin had to call another reliever, something he’s done often in recent weeks with Doval, who was replaced by Ryan Walker during a rough outing.
The Giants could view this as an opportunity for Doval to work on his command, but it’s rare to send a closer to the minor leagues instead of demoting him to another role, and there seems to be more at stake here. Doval has frustrated Gabe Kapler’s regime with his lack of attention to detail, and Melvin seems to have had enough of that, too.
Walker has been the team’s best reliever this season and seems like the most likely choice to pitch the ninth. Jordan Hicks also has experience pitching in relief and his velocity has returned to average since the Giants moved him back into the bullpen.
In addition to Doval’s option, the Giants also sent catcher Jakson Reetz to Sacramento. Veteran Curt Casali was reinstated from the paternity list and right-handed pitcher Landen Roupp was recalled from Triple-A.
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