Giants recall RHP Cole Waites, option RHP Sean Hjelle

Waites became the first player drafted by the Giants under Farhan Zaidi to play for the Giants last season. Waites was drafted in the 18th round of the 2019 draft out of West Alabama and quickly moved through the organization's minor-league ranks. In seven appearances with the Giants last season, he recorded a 3.18 ERA with four strikeouts and four walks in 5.2 innings pitched.

Waites has a strong two-pitch arsenal, a mid-90s fastball and high-80s slider that both have excellent characteristics. However, he has struggled with control throughout his career, which makes his promotion a bit surprising.

Waites was expected to compete for a spot on the Giants Opening Day roster this season, but a strained oblique early in spring training prevented him from making a strong push. He's struggled mightily back at Triple-A this season, walking 12 in 9.2 innings pitched with 10 strikeouts and a 9.31 ERA. Granted, he has only walked one in his past four appearances.

Hjelle, the Giants 2018 second-round pick, was a standout prospect during spring training, recording a 1.59 ERA across 17 innings pitched with 22 strikeouts and 3 walks. While he was omitted from the Opening Day roster, he was quickly called up from the minors. He has had flashes of effectiveness with his mid-90s sinker and breaking ball, but inconsistent command has prevented him from taking the next step.

The SF Giants bullpen has been one of the worst in MLB by most metrics through the first month of the season. The team is shaking things up and hopes that young Cole Waites can help stabilize the group for manager Gabe Kapler.