Giants Demote RHP Hayden Birdsong After Poor Performance

After a rough game against one of baseball’s top teams, the San Francisco Giants shuffled their roster. They optioned right-hander Hayden Birdsong to Triple-A Sacramento after a night that put his control problems front and center.

The team also sent down Tristan Beck, even though he’d put in a solid relief outing. In their place, the Giants called up Carson Seymour and Sean Hjelle.

These changes come as the Giants stumble through a six-game losing streak. They’re clearly scrambling for some kind of stability with the postseason creeping closer.

Hayden Birdsong’s Troubles Worsen

Monday night’s 9-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves turned Birdsong’s season upside down. The 24-year-old righty couldn’t get a single out, walking four, hitting one, and tossing a wild pitch while surrendering five earned runs.

He threw just six strikes out of 25 pitches. That’s a pretty brutal stat line for a guy who’s shown flashes of promise.

This was the first time in Birdsong’s 37 Major League outings that he failed to retire a batter. Over his last 13 innings, he’s handed out 17 walks, which only deepens the control issues that have been following him around.

His ERA now sits at 4.80, but what’s really alarming is the 8.13 ERA he’s posted over his past seven starts.

What Went Wrong for Birdsong?

It’s tough to say exactly what’s behind Birdsong’s struggles, but he seems to have lost confidence and consistency in his mechanics. His fastball, once a legit weapon, has turned wild, leading to more walks and longer innings.

Hitters have become more patient, waiting him out and making him pay for his mistakes. Birdsong still has raw talent, but heading to Triple-A might give him space to reset and work out the kinks.

Tristan Beck’s Surprise Demotion

Tristan Beck didn’t have a meltdown like Birdsong, but the Giants still sent him down. He pitched 1⅓ perfect innings against Atlanta, showing poise and command.

Still, his season ERA is up at 5.68, which probably played into the decision. The Giants seem focused on flexibility and finding a spark in the bullpen.

Beck might just be a victim of circumstance, with the team needing fresh arms as they try to snap their skid.

Giants Call Upon Seymour and Hjelle

To fill the gaps, the Giants brought up right-handers Carson Seymour and Sean Hjelle from Triple-A Sacramento. Seymour throws hard and has a knack for getting ground balls, which could help steady things in the bullpen.

Hjelle brings some Major League experience and can handle either starting or long relief. Both guys are stepping into big roles as the Giants look to stop the bleeding.

What’s Next for the Giants?

This pitching shake-up comes at a critical point in the Giants’ season. With playoff hopes on the line and a tough schedule ahead, the team just can’t afford more slip-ups.

The losing streak has exposed some pretty clear flaws, especially on the mound. The Braves series really showed how shaky the pitching staff has become.

Key Areas to Watch

As the Giants try to right the ship, here are a few things worth watching:

• Birdsong’s Development: Can Hayden Birdsong get his control and confidence back in Triple-A and become a reliable arm again?
• Seymour and Hjelle’s Impact: Will these two newcomers steady the bullpen and help end the losing streak?
• Team’s Rotation: The starting pitching remains a question mark, and the Giants have to figure that out—fast.

Final Thoughts

The Giants just sent Hayden Birdsong and Tristan Beck down, calling up Carson Seymour and Sean Hjelle instead.

Honestly, it says a lot about how urgent things feel with their pitching staff right now. Birdsong’s rough outings stand out, but really, the bigger issue is obvious: San Francisco needs arms they can trust if they want to make a real playoff run.

Will this roster shuffle jumpstart the comeback they’re hoping for? Hard to say, but there’s no denying the Giants are running out of time.

 
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