Giants Call Up LHP Matt 'Tugboat' Wilkinson for MLB Debut
San Francisco called up lefty Matt 'Tugboat' Wilkinson, per ESPN's Jeff Passan, with his MLB debut reportedly set against Cleveland.
The San Francisco Giants are calling up left-handed pitcher Matt "Tugboat" Wilkinson, per ESPN's Jeff Passan — a name and a nickname that arrive together as a package deal the sport did not know it needed.
Wilkinson, acquired in the Patrick Bailey trade, is set to make his MLB debut against the Cleveland Guardians, per prior reporting. The Giants selected his contract from Triple-A Sacramento, a move that required a corresponding 40-man roster adjustment.
The 'Invisiball' question
MLB.com's Maria Guardado flagged the detail that has already done most of the promotional work: Wilkinson reportedly throws something being called an "Invisiball." What that means for Cleveland hitters is, for now, an open question — and probably the most interesting one heading into his debut.
The backdrop
The callup comes a day after Giants pitchers walked 10 batters in a loss to the Rockies, a performance manager Vitello publicly criticized. Whether Wilkinson's arrival is directly connected to that outing is not stated in the reporting — but the timing is what it is.
What remains unconfirmed is Wilkinson's specific role and when exactly he will take the mound.
More on the Giants wire.
Giants Debut Lefty Tugboat Wilkinson vs. Guardians
San Francisco is giving Wilkinson his first MLB start against his former organization, which has a noted weakness against crafty left-handed pitching.
Giants Call Up LHP Matt 'Tugboat' Wilkinson for MLB Debut
San Francisco is selecting Matt 'Tugboat' Wilkinson's contract from Triple-A Sacramento for his MLB debut, per ESPN's Jeff Passan, requiring a 40-man roster move.
Giants call up LHP Matt Tugboat Wilkinson
San Francisco promotes left-handed pitcher Matt Wilkinson, known for his deceptive 'Invisiball' delivery, to the major league roster.
Giants Call Up LHP Matt 'Tugboat' Wilkinson
San Francisco has called up left-hander Matt 'Tugboat' Wilkinson, per ESPN's Jeff Passan; the MLB.com report adds detail on his pitching style.
Giants calling up pitching prospect Matt Wilkinson for MLB debut
San Francisco will select the 23-year-old lefty's contract from Triple-A Sacramento, necessitating a roster shuffle to open a 40-man spot.
Giants Calling Up LHP Matt 'Tugboat' Wilkinson, per ESPN's Jeff Passan
San Francisco is reportedly calling up left-hander Matt Wilkinson, acquired in the Patrick Bailey trade, who has struck out 96 in 90 innings this season.