The San Francisco Giants have placed starting pitcher Jordan Hicks on the 15-day IL with right shoulder inflammation. Reliever Austin Warren has been recalled in a corresponding move. Catcher Jakson Reetz also cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento.
Jordan Hicks will miss some time pic.twitter.com/B9rZTZSsWB
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 27, 2024
Giants Pitcher Jordan Hicks Lands on 15-Day IL
Transition from Reliever to Starter
When Hicks signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the Giants in the offseason, he had to fine-tune his role, transitioning from a reliever to a starting pitcher. With his role being altered, this meant that he had to preserve his velocity so that he could pitch deep into games. The pitch he has turned to the most has been the sinker. When he was a reliever with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Toronto Blue Jays, he was highlighted as one of the most hard-throwing pitchers, firing at 100.1 mph. But now he’s toned it down to 95.7 mph with the Giants. He has sported a 4-7 record with a 3.90 ERA this season with the Giants. In his last two starts, the Giants beat the Chicago White Sox and the Seattle Mariners.
Hicks Injury Places Sting on Starting Pitching
With Hicks going on the IL, it makes things more difficult for the Giants starting rotation. Starting pitcher Robbie Ray has also been placed on the IL with a left hamstring strain. The Giants knew something was up with Hicks when his velocity drastically decreased down to 92-93 mph on Friday, which was uncharacteristic. Hicks was experiencing discomfort in his arm, and that was an indication that something was not right with the 27-year-old.
The arm pain was a red flag for Hicks, especially as a starter. It has also demonstrated that his pitching arm hasn’t been up to par. Hicks has shown a flaw in his mechanics where his pitching arm is flat. This means his arm wasn’t raised when his shoulder would be ready to turn. This is often described as “Flat Arm Syndrome.” In most cases, this is not a good sign for a starting pitcher. It’s probable that the change from reliever to starter has been challenging for Hicks and that he hasn’t been able to adjust to the role.
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