The Guardians have acquired right-hander Spencer Howard from the Giants, per Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle on X. The Giants, who designated the righty for task not too long ago, will obtain money concerns in return. The Guardians introduced that they’ve designated righty Wes Parsons for task to open up a 40-man spot.
Howard, 27, was with the Giants on a minor league deal initially of this yr and opened the season with ten Triple-A begins. He had a 5.90 earned run common in that point, although he in all probability deserved higher than that. His 32.2% strikeout price was fairly sturdy and his 9.6% stroll price solely barely on the excessive facet. However he had a .406 batting common on balls in play and 66.1% strand price within the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, so his 4.12 FIP was virtually two runs higher than his ERA.
The Giants added him to their roster on the finish of Might and he spent simply over a month with the membership in a swing position. He tossed 24 innings over seven outings, two of these being begins, with a 5.63 ERA. It’s doable that luck performed a job once more, as his .388 BABIP in that point was properly above common, however his strikeout price additionally plummeted to 18.4% within the majors. His most up-to-date outing was particularly robust, as he allowed six earned runs in 2 2/3 innings. Since he’s out of choices, he was got rid of the 40-man.
The Guardians are maybe intrigued by these Triple-A strikeout numbers that Howard had earlier this yr, or maybe his previous standing as a notable prospect. A second-round choose of the Phillies in 2017, he was thought of one of many high prospects within the league, with Baseball America giving him the #27 general spot in 2020 and 2021. He went to the Rangers within the 2021 deadline deal that despatched Kyle Gibson and Ian Kennedy the opposite manner.
Sadly, Howard has by no means been capable of finding a lot success within the massive leagues. Between his time with the Phillies, Rangers and Giants, he has 139 innings within the majors with a 6.93 ERA, 19.9% strikeout price and 10.1% stroll price. His work within the minors hasn’t been a lot better lately, as he’s tossed 143 1/3 innings on the farm for the reason that begin of 2021 with a 4.83 ERA, although that minor league work has include a 31.7% strikeout price.
Since Howard is out of choices, the Guards will probably be hoping that he can shortly begin getting punchouts on the massive league degree, doubtless in a protracted aid position. The rotation has misplaced Shane Bieber to Tommy John surgical procedure they usually not too long ago optioned a struggling Triston McKenzie, however they’ve a beginning 5 of Tanner Bibee, Ben Full of life, Gavin Williams, Logan Allen and Carlos Carrasco.
If the Guards can work out find out how to get Howard on monitor, there may very well be long-term advantages. He’s out of choices however might be retained through arbitration for 3 seasons past this one if he holds onto his roster spot for the remainder of the yr.
Parsons, 31, began the yr with the Blue Jays however was designated for task in early April and flipped to the Guardians for worldwide bonus pool area. He has spent a lot of the yr in a swing position in Triple-A, with 25 2/3 innings over 12 outings, 5 of these being begins. He had a 4.21 ERA in that point however might have been fortunate to have it that low. He struck out 29.3% of batters confronted but additionally gave out walks at an enormous 17.1% clip. Had been it not for an 84.6% strand price, he would have fared a lot worse, which is why he had a 6.06 FIP for Columbus.
The Guards will now have per week to commerce Parsons or cross him by waivers. The current numbers aren’t too thrilling however he’s in his ultimate choice yr and will maybe enchantment to membership bit by the harm bug that desires a bit extra beginning depth within the minors.
