The San Francisco Giants made several roster adjustments Wednesday ahead of the middle game in their series against the Cleveland Guardians, claiming a young left-handed pitcher off waivers while shuffling other arms and moving two players to the longer injured list.
The club announced the changes after falling 8-1 the previous night at Progressive Field. With the series still ongoing in Ohio, the Giants sought to bolster depth on the pitching side amid a challenging campaign.
“The #SFGiants made the following roster moves today: LHP Matt Wilkinson (#71) selected to Major League roster. LHP Philip Abner claimed off waivers from Arizona and optioned to Triple-A Sacramento. LHP Reiver Sanmartin optioned to Triple-A Sacramento. C Daniel Susac and OF Harrison Bader transferred to the 60-day Injured List.”
Philip Abner, the 24-year-old lefty obtained from the Arizona Diamondbacks, becomes the newest addition to the organization. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of the University of Florida and has appeared in parts of two major league seasons, all with Arizona.
Over 13 career big league outings, Abner carries an 0-0 record and a 6.00 ERA. His limited major league sample includes work that has left room for improvement, yet his age and remaining options make him a low-risk addition for a club looking to evaluate talent for the stretch run and beyond.
Abner will report to Triple-A Sacramento rather than join the major league club immediately. The move allows the Giants to get a closer look at him in the Pacific Coast League while maintaining flexibility on the 40-man roster.
To create space for the claim and the promotion of Matt Wilkinson, the Giants optioned fellow left-hander Reiver Sanmartin to Sacramento as well. Wilkinson, wearing No. 71, was selected to the active roster and is expected to provide fresh relief options in the coming days.
Catcher Daniel Susac and outfielder Harrison Bader were shifted to the 60-day injured list. Those transfers opened the necessary spots without forcing additional roster casualties. Bader has dealt with plantar fasciitis for an extended stretch this season, while Susac’s move reflects ongoing recovery needs.
The Giants entered the year with high expectations after assembling a talented group, yet results have fallen short. Sitting fourth in the National League West with a 51-74 mark through 125 games, the club has struggled to find consistent wins.
Manager Tony Vitello and the front office continue to experiment with personnel as the season winds toward September. Adding a pitcher with upside like Abner fits the pattern of seeking developmental pieces who could contribute later or in future campaigns.
Following the conclusion of the Guardians series, San Francisco heads to Boston for a weekend set at Fenway Park beginning Friday. The road trip offers little relief for a team searching for momentum in a disappointing year.
Abner’s arrival marks another incremental step for an organization that remains focused on long-term roster building even while competing in the present. Whether the 24-year-old left-hander eventually earns a call-up to Oracle Park remains to be determined by his performance in Sacramento and the needs of the major league staff.
For now, the Giants will turn their attention back to the field against Cleveland, hoping the latest moves provide both immediate depth and future options in a season that has tested their patience and planning.
