Giants expect Kyle Harrison in MLB debut Tuesday against the Phillies – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

SAN FRANCISCO – The Giants have spent all season calling up rookies to bolster their lineup and lead their squad. Now they’re doing it for rotation, and the latest addition may end up being the best of them all.

Coach Gabe Kapler confirmed Sunday after the Giants’ 4-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves that the organization’s prospect Kyle Harrison will make his MLB debut Tuesday night in Philadelphia.

The news was first reported on Sunday morning FanSided’s Robert MurraySources confirmed to NBC Sports Bay Area before the game. Harrison, 22, is one of the best starting prospects in the minors and the most popular Giants starting pitcher since Madison Bumgarner in 2009.

“In his latest outing, I think he took some real steps forward,” Kapler said Sunday. “I think he’s ready to help us win baseball games. That’s the most important thing… He’s just ready for the opportunity.”

Kapler declined to provide any clarification regarding Harrison prior to the game, and the Giants officially listed the TBA and Alex Cobb as their three pitchers for the series against the Phillies earlier Sunday. There wasn’t much of a mystery by the end of the day, as Harrison had been scratched since his Triple-A debut.

Harrison is a former De La Salle (Concord) star selected in the third round of the 2020 MLB Draft. He was seen as having a strong commitment to UCLA, but the Giants moved additional cash to sign Harrison, and he’s been on the fast track ever since.

Harrison posted a Low-A 3.19 ERA in 2021 with 157 strikeouts in 98 2/3 innings pitched. A year later, he struck out 186 batters in 113 innings pitched with a 2.71 ERA across High-A and Double-A. The Giants Harrison started at Triple-A this year, and while his ERA (4.66) is league-high for a friendly hitter, he has 105 strikeouts in 65 2/3 innings pitched.

The lefty has a mid-to-upper 90s fastball and two slider shapes of his own. He’s late in his life in fastball and hides all his pitches well, and hitters have generally had a very difficult time squaring him.

The only thing that kept Harrison from holding back for so long was the command. He’s walked 48 batters this season, and because he’s pitched in such a long innings, he’s only completed five innings once. Harrison has taken a step forward this month, despite bombing territory in his last two Triple-A starts.

“very [excited]Kapler said of Harrison’s upcoming debut. Just as a fan has been watching him rise through the ranks for us, seeing some of his struggles in spring training, watching nearly all of his outings on video, and connecting with our coaches. He’s a great guy with an incredible work ethic and you really want him bad.

“The moment has come. Of course I’m excited for him and us.”

The Giants think he’s ready, and they have for some time. Harrison was up for a call-up in July before a hamstring strain placed him on the IL, so his pitch count won’t be very high in his debut. Giants desperately need a boost though.

They’ve only used two actual starters for several weeks now, and one of the most reliable “group tourers” – Ross Stripling – went to IL on Saturday. Harrison will arrive as a starter, the Giants said, and while he may not get deep into the game on Tuesday, it will be a big moment for an organization that expects Logan Webb and Harrison to lead the rotation for years to come.

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