The San Francisco Giants’ season was interesting in many ways, but perhaps most surprising was the struggles of right-handed All-Star closer Camilo Doval.
Doval, once considered one of the best closers in baseball, has not pitched as well this year as he did in the first three seasons of his career.
Before being relegated to Triple-A, he had a 4.70 ERA. He now has a 4.57 ERA after throwing two strikeouts in 1 1/3 innings pitched against the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night.
This season, the Dominican native also has a WHIP of 1.59 and 58 strikeouts in 45 1/3 innings pitched.
It was a surprise that the Giants gave Doval an option despite his difficulties. In the middle of the playoffs, they decided he needed to work in the minors.
His play was not the only reason for this. Doval had expressed his frustration on several occasions in the team bench and had thrown tantrums after poor performances. This is not unusual, but it is unacceptable when it reaches the extent that it did in his case.
He spoke about San Francisco’s decision with Andrew Baggarly of The athleteand admitted how surprising it was.
“I was very surprised (about the option),” Doval said through Spanish interpreter Erwin Higueros. “My reaction was ‘wow.’ But they know what they are doing. If they thought that’s what they have to do, then I accept their decision. I’m here to do what the team asks of me. I’m here to help the team win.”
It’s one of the many harsh realities of Major League Baseball.
As the Giants continue their push into the playoffs with five games left in the National League Wild Card race, Doval will be a key factor.
San Francisco needs to demand that he repeat the performances of the past few years, because if he can do that, it could be the reason they make the playoffs.
Doval’s best season was 2023, when he posted a 2.93 ERA and 1.13 WHIP, striking out 87 hitters in 67 2/3 innings pitched. He led the National League in saves and games finished.
Whether a player gets an option depends entirely on what he does with it. Some sulk and never return, while others take it as a challenge and try to improve.
Doval believes it was a good thing and that it was the best-case scenario for the Giants.
“I think in my case it was a good thing that I was sent down. It made me realize who I am.”
