Kyle Harrison Makes His First MLB Start Against Jake Irvin Today

San Francisco, CA — Kyle Harrison is set to make his first Major League Baseball (MLB) start of the season today against Jake Irvin as the San Francisco Giants face off against the Washington Nationals. Manager Bob Melvin announced Friday that Harrison will take at least two turns through the rotation to fill the void left by Justin Verlander, who is on the injured list due to pectoral soreness.

Harrison, just 23 years old, has previously been one of the league’s top pitching prospects. His recent call-up follows a stint at Triple-A Sacramento, where he recorded a strong 3.46 earned run average (ERA) over 26 innings this season. Manager Bob Melvin indicated that the Giants will assess Harrison’s performance in these starts to determine his future in the rotation.

Verlander, a three-time Cy Young award winner, is expected to return by June 3, which means Harrison’s time in the starting role is likely temporary. Melvin stated, “The focus is on the next two starts. Then, we’ll see where we go from there.” This decision to start Harrison over other candidates reflects the Giants’ strategy of maximizing their pitching depth while awaiting Verlander’s return.

Harrison has made four appearances out of the bullpen since his recall in early May, pitching 5 1/3 innings with a 3.38 ERA while striking out seven batters. His fastball has shown significant velocity, averaging nearly 96 mph, a noticeable increase from his average during minor league outings.

The Giants are optimistic that Harrison can help keep the team’s pitching strong during this challenging period without Verlander. With other pitchers recently promoted or performing in different roles, Harrison’s performance today could pave the way for his future as a starter in the Giants’ lineup.