SF Giants: Previewing the potential 2020 Opening Day starters
By Seth Carlson
2. Could Jeff Samardzija start Opening Day for the SF Giants?
Nicknamed “Shark,” right-handed pitcher Jeff Samardzija was brought in the same offseason as rotation-mate Johnny Cueto, signing for five years and $90 million.
Samardzija has been effective during his Giants’ tenure to this point, the exception being an injury-marred 2018 season during which he started only 10 games.
2019 was generally kind to the Shark, as he posted 3.52 ERA in 32 starts. He pitched 181.1 innings, racking up 140 strikeouts against 49 walks. His 1.10 WHIP was his lowest in that category since 2014.
His 4.59 FIP was not as kind, however. This likely indicates he got lucky at times throughout the season.
Nevertheless, Samardzija eats up innings and is pretty reliable health-wise. These factors also give him a solid chance to earn Kapler’s blessing come July 24.