Randy Rodríguez will pitch this fall as the San Francisco Giants’ reliever continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
The San Francisco Giants will have a familiar name leading their group of players headed to the Arizona Fall League, with Randy Rodríguez preparing to make his return to competitive action.
Rodríguez will pitch for the Scottsdale Scorpions this fall as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The assignment will give the right-hander an opportunity to face hitters in game situations for the first time since last August.
The 27-year-old has spent the entire 2026 season rehabbing after undergoing surgery on his right elbow last September. Giants general manager Zack Minasian said Rodríguez has progressed well medically and has already resumed throwing bullpen sessions.
The decision to send Rodríguez to the Fall League was also largely driven by the reliever himself. Rodríguez wanted the opportunity to pitch in a competitive environment before entering the offseason and continuing his preparation for a potential return to San Francisco's bullpen in 2027.
The Giants will have seven additional prospects joining Rodríguez in Scottsdale. The group includes outfielder Dakota Jordan, the organization's No. 7 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, along with infielders Kaeden Kent and Dalton Wentz.
San Francisco's pitching contingent will feature right-handers Miguel Mendez, Alexander Fuentes, Drake George and Darien Smith. The Fall League assignment gives all eight players another opportunity to develop during the offseason.
For Rodríguez, though, the focus will be on regaining the feel of pitching in actual games.
Rodríguez emerged as one of the Giants' most important bullpen arms in 2025. He earned his first All-Star selection after posting a 1.78 ERA with 67 strikeouts over 50.2 innings. After San Francisco traded Camilo Doval to the New York Yankees at the Trade Deadline, Rodríguez took over as the club's closer.
His season ultimately ended after he suffered a right elbow sprain that led to Tommy John surgery.
The Giants have missed his presence in the bullpen this season. San Francisco's relievers entered the final stretch of the 2026 campaign with a 4.19 ERA, while 12 different pitchers had recorded at least one save for the club.
San Francisco is expected to address its bullpen during the offseason, but a healthy Rodríguez could provide an internal boost to a group that has undergone considerable turnover.
Minasian acknowledged that the Giants still intend to explore outside options while also hoping Rodríguez can eventually reclaim a role toward the back of the bullpen.
At the same time, San Francisco plans to take a measured approach with Rodríguez's return. Tommy John recovery can involve adjustments even after a pitcher is medically cleared, and the Giants do not want to place unrealistic expectations on him immediately.
The Fall League could therefore serve as an important bridge between rehabilitation and a full major-league return. Rodríguez can work through the challenges of facing hitters again without having to immediately shoulder the responsibilities of a major-league bullpen.
The Giants will have plenty to monitor when the Fall League begins, but Rodríguez's presence gives the organization perhaps its most important storyline. After spending an entire season working his way back from surgery, the Scottsdale assignment will mark a significant step toward his return to San Francisco.
The 2026 Arizona Fall League season begins Oct. 3, with the championship game scheduled for Nov. 14 at Peoria Stadium.
