Boasting a perfect 2-0 record after dominating the Colorado Rockies, the 25-year-old lefty is forcing a difficult roster decision for a struggling San Francisco Giants staff nearing its breaking point.
Two starts into his big-league career, Carson Whisenhunt is a perfect 2-0.
The San Francisco Giants had their starter on Thursday, July 9, a mystery for quite some time. Finally, hours before the game, they revealed Whisenhunt would be getting his second shot.
Everyone seemed to know that the 25-year-old's start on Wednesday, June 17, was a one-time thing. He looked great in that outing, but there just wasn't enough room on the roster for him to fit.
Now, the team may have to rethink things. Whisenhunt just pitched a stellar 5.2-inning game against the Colorado Rockies, one that saw him strike out four batters and allow just two earned runs on three hits.
Whisenhunt makes case to stay in big leagues
Currently 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA, the Giants have a big decision ahead of them. They don't want to rush Whisenhunt, but he's made it clear he's ready for what the majors has to offer.
"Obviously, I’m not trying to walk four, but to go out there... my stuff was really good today," Whisenhunt said, according to MLB.com. "Felt comfortable. Felt confident. Drew [Cavanaugh], unbelievable behind the plate. Defense did great, but a little rushed. Just trying to do a little too much, I think.”
Manager Tony Vitello said Whisenhunt had an "outstanding" start, and that speaks volumes. This team had their minds made up that Ryan Walker needed some time down in Triple-A, so his return timeline could have a direct impact as to how long Whisenhunt stays in San Francisco.
Where does Whisenhunt fit into this rotation?
The Giants have their starters mapped out through the end of the first-half. Tyler Mahle gets the start tonight while Landen Roupp is set to go on Saturday and Robbie Ray will pitch the first-half finale.
Trevor McDonald looked abysmal on Tuesday, July 7, but the Giants know they need to go all-in on their young talent. This season has been soul crushing, to say the least. They're currently 15 games under .500 (39-54), are 21.5 games back in the National League West, and are 12.5 back in the Wild Card race.
Having Whisenhunt replace McDonald doesn't seem ideal. Obviously, Adrian Houser has been a much-discussed name this season. His spot remains in jeopardy, but Roupp, Ray, Webb, Mahle, and McDonald still make up the team's five-man rotation.
San Francisco doesn't seem keen on operating a six-man unit, so there's little to no room for Whisenhunt in this current landscape.
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