The Giants found a temporary solution for their rotation gap with Mason Black, who provided some much-needed relief in their win against the Reds at Oracle Park, as reported by NBC Sports Bay Area.
Black, more at ease than in his MLB debut earlier in the week, settled into his pitching rhythm, particularly after Matt Chapman’s first-inning grand slam set the tone for the game. He expressed feeling less pressure to be perfect and focused on pitching to contact and filling up the strike zone.
Though Black began to tire midway through the game and was eventually replaced by manager Bob Melvin, his performance was commendable. His stats, 4 1/3 innings pitched, four hits, and one run on 78 pitches, were reminiscent of his outing against Philadelphia, albeit with less damage.
Melvin noted Black’s effective pitching and acknowledged his relatively short leash. The Giants had struggled in games where Blake Snell’s rotation slot was due, but Black’s solid performance provided a much-needed boost.
Black, sticking to his game plan, utilized both fastballs effectively, with praise from catcher Patrick Bailey for his performance. The bullpen also played a significant role in securing the win, with Black emphasizing the collective effort over individual accolades.
Despite still seeking his first professional win, Black prioritized the team’s victory, echoing a sentiment he’s maintained throughout the season. He credited the defense, particularly outfielder Heliot Ramos, whose exceptional plays contributed to the win.
Overall, Black’s performance offered brief relief for the Giants’ rotation gap and contributed to a much-needed win for the team.
Heliot Ramos expects Mason Black to buy him a steak dinner for making some key plays in the outfield today đŸ˜… pic.twitter.com/Nqz1cMaDif
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) May 12, 2024
In terms of himself, Black is aware of his own development. Even though he’s still searching for that first win, he feels very good about where he is right now and is unsure of where he fits into the Giants’ future plans.
“The most important thing is to win,” Black stated again. Like Logan Webb and Kyle Harrison, I would like to be this team’s workhorse, going out there and pitch seven or eight innings, depending on what the team needs.
“I don’t have the authority to make those choices. Simply be content with the state of affairs and eager to discover what lies ahead.