Breaking News: Giants Keep the Bullpen Shuffle Alive by Re-signing Versatile Arm to Minor League Deal

Spencer Howard’s winding journey over the past two seasons has brought him back to San Francisco, where the Giants have signed him to a minor-league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Sacramento.

Howard pitched for the River Cats on Friday, delivering a scoreless inning.

The 28-year-old right-hander had been a free agent since July 28 after choosing to explore other options rather than accepting an assignment to Cleveland’s Triple-A affiliate in Columbus following his clearance from waivers.

The Guardians had designated Howard for assignment on July 21. As a minor-league signing, any call-up by the Giants would necessitate adjustments to both the 40-man and 26-man rosters.

This marks Howard’s fourth organization since the start of the 2023 season. The Giants’ approach mirrored that of the Guardians, who designated him for assignment on June 30 before later trading him to Cleveland for cash.

During his brief stint with Cleveland, Howard went 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA over five innings, with six strikeouts and three walks.

Howard joined San Francisco on a minor-league deal last offseason but did not make the Opening Day roster. His performance with Triple-A Sacramento has been modest, with a 1-2 record and a 5.75 ERA after his recent appearance. Over 40.2 innings, he has struck out 58 and walked 18, with 10 starts and 11 total appearances.

The Giants called up Howard on May 28 to address a pitching staff dealing with numerous injuries. During this period, he posted some of his best career numbers, going 1-1 with a 3.80 ERA in six appearances and 21.1 innings, striking out 21 and walking nine.

Howard made his first start in over two years in June against the Texas Rangers, his former team, and left with a 3-1 lead after pitching 4.2 innings, giving up one run, striking out two, and walking three. In his last Giants appearance against the Chicago Cubs, he threw 4.2 innings of scoreless relief.

Originally a second-round pick of the Phillies, Howard debuted in the Majors in 2020. He was traded to the Rangers in 2021 and then to the Yankees the following year. After being released by the Yankees, he joined the Giants last September but did not see action at the Major League level, spending a month with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.