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Greek Giant
Alex Cobb to Have Hip Surgery, Miss Start of 2024
It was reported yesterday that Giant starter Alex Cobb, a workhorse in the rotation, will undergo hip labrum surgery. Here is the rundown from Andrew Baggarly:
- The right-hander is expected to be out for around six months, meaning he will likely miss the start of the 2024 season.
- The Giants hold a $10 million option on Cobb for the 2024 season that includes a $2 million buyout.
- Cobb made his first All-Star team in 2023 and finished the year 7-7 with a 3.87 ERA in 28 starts.
This spells trouble for the Giants for a number of reasons. The Giants have already claimed that they will pick up the option on Cobb. Sean Manaea has the option of leaving next season or accepting his $12.5 million salary. If he departs for greener pastures the Giants will be VERY THIN on the mound when it comes to experience and competence in their starting hurlers. Andrew Baggarly wrote the standard “the Giants are confident in their starting pitching depth” line in his article above (Where did we hear that before?) but the reality is quite the opposite. Kyle Harrison has yet to prove he can pitch effectively in a full season, ditto Tristan Beck and Keaton Winn. Stripling and Desclafani are two other starters penciled in for next year but really, does anyone but their mothers look forward to their starts?
This news changes much for the Giants regarding the offseason. I expect the team to be very active in pursuit of a new starting pitcher, among other players. It will be very interesting.
World Series, Game Four Takes Place Tonight
Last night the Rangers won Game three of the World Series by a score of 3-1 in Phoenix. It was a very entertaining game with superb defense from both teams. The Rangers turned a beautiful double play in the eighth inning started by Corey Seager, perhaps the MVP so far of the Fall Classic. No, it was not as good as the Joe Panik DP in 2014 but it was great. Seager also hit a two-run home run.
Tonight’s game 4 starts at 5:03 PM, Pacific. The Starting pitching matchup is listed as Heaney of the Rangers versus Mantiply of the DBacks. Expect the bullpens to get plenty of innings!