The Giants welcomed back Camilo Doval on Saturday.
An All-Star closer in 2022, Doval was optioned to Sacramento on Aug. 9 after a string of ineffective outings saw his earned run average balloon to 4.70 and included five blown saves.
Doval is available from the bullpen when the Giants visit the Seattle Mariners after losing 6-5 in 10 innings Friday night.
In five games with the River Cats, Doval was 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA with one walk and seven strikeouts. Considering Doval had walked 29 batters in 44 innings this season, the reduced walk count is considered encouraging.
“We just hoped he understood what was going on and realized this is an opportunity for him to step things up,” Giants manager Bob Melvin told reporters before the game. “There’s always the possibility that anybody can go down and feel a little bit betrayed. It was anything but. He worked on these things. I give him a lot of credit for a guy who was an All-Star last year taking this the time to really be productive.”
The Giants announced the move before Saturday’s game against Seattle.
With closer Ryan Walker likely unavailable after throwing 25 pitches and two innings Friday night, Doval could end up closing if needed.
Last season, Doval led the National League with 39 saves in 69 appearances and was a member of the NL All-Star team.
Landon Roupp was optioned to Sacramento to make room for Doval.
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