The San Francisco Giants claimed left-handed pitcher Philip Abner from the Arizona Diamondbacks, sending him to Triple-A Sacramento after he was designated for assignment.
The San Francisco Giants made a roster move on Wednesday, claiming left-handed pitcher Philip Abner from the Arizona Diamondbacks after he was designated for assignment. Abner, 24, was sent to Triple-A Sacramento, where he will join the team’s minor league affiliate. The Giants also selected lefty Matt Wilkinson, a move previously reported, and optioned Reiver Sanmartin to open a spot for Wilkinson. To make room for Abner and Wilkinson on the 40-man roster, catchers Daniel Susac and outfielder Harrison Bader were transferred to the 60-day injured list. Susac, who fractured his patella, will not return this season, while Bader, recovering from plantar fasciitis and a scooter accident, remains on the shelf.
Abner’s Journey from the D-backs to the Giants
The D-backs acquired him in the sixth round of the 2023 MLB Draft and gave him a chance to pitch in the majors. He made 13 appearances for Arizona in 2024, allowing 12 earned runs in 18 innings with 11 strikeouts and 11 walks. In 40 2/3 innings at Triple-A, Abner posted a 3.98 ERA with a 26.9% strikeout rate and an 8.2% walk rate. The Giants, who had roster flexibility, chose to claim him, hoping to evaluate his development up close.
They first DFA’d reliever Andrew Hoffmann on Monday to make room for Justin Martinez’s return from the 60-day injured list. Abner was then designated for assignment on Sunday to accommodate veteran Dennis Santana. He appeared in 16 games for Arizona, allowing 16 earned runs in 19 innings with 19 strikeouts and 14 walks. After a lat injury in June, he was never reinstated and was eventually released.
What This Means for Abner and the Giants
Abner still has options remaining, giving the Giants flexibility to keep him in the minors or bring him up if needed.
