SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Jordan Hicks finds himself at a crucial juncture in his career as he transitions into a reliever role for the San Francisco Giants, although his ambitions of returning to the starting rotation remain unwavering.
Hicks, who signed a substantial four-year, $44 million deal with the Giants during the offseason, entered with high hopes of earning a starting pitcher spot. Yet, after struggling to find his rhythm on the mound, the 28-year-old right-hander concluded his nine starts this season with a disappointing record of 1-5 and a 6.55 ERA. Responding to these challenges, the Giants have decided to move Hicks to the bullpen, a transition that mirrors his experience from the previous season. Rising talent Hayden Birdsong is slated to fill his rotation position in the upcoming game against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.
Reflecting on his recent performance, Hicks acknowledged, “There were a few innings that really did not go my way, and on other days, it seemed like every ground ball found a hole. My start this season was not what I aimed for, but I’m committed to moving ahead and contributing to the team from the bullpen.”
Once a closer for the St. Louis Cardinals, Hicks is now facing a concerning statistic: a staggering 12.00 ERA in the first inning this season. This highlights an essential area for improvement as he acclimates to his new responsibilities. He remarked, “In the bullpen, the pressure peaks in the eighth and ninth innings when the game’s outcome hangs in the balance. However, that intensity is present right from the first inning, creating a different atmosphere altogether.”
Birdsong, who has shown promise this season with an impressive 2.31 ERA over 11 relief appearances, has stepped into a crucial role as the Giants look to strengthen their pitching staff for the remainder of the season. His ability to adapt could prove invaluable as the team enters a pivotal phase.
While Hicks’ start has been rocky, his statistics suggest untapped potential. With a groundball rate of 59.6%, he ranks fourth among MLB pitchers with 30 or more innings pitched. Moreover, his expected ERA of 3.75 starkly contrasts with his current output. A career-high hard-hit rate of 45.4% also emphasizes the urgent need to refine his pitching strategy.
Manager Bob Melvin recognized the complexities of this transition for Hicks, stating, “Jordan came in last season with aspirations of being a starting pitcher, and he approached this season with the same mindset. Our adjustments are made with consideration, and we believe this change could enhance our overall performance.”
Last season, in his limited bullpen appearances, Hicks managed a 4.91 ERA over nine games, underscoring the importance of his ability to adapt in high-pressure scenarios. “I refuse to give up on myself,” he asserted. “If I get the chance to return to a starting role, I’ll seize it. My ultimate goal has always been to pitch as a starter in the MLB. However, that pathway is not available to me at the moment.”
As the Giants approach the second half of the season, Hicks’ shift to the bullpen may present both challenges and unexpected avenues for growth, as he navigates the intricacies of redefining his place within the organization.
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