The San Francisco Giants have spent much of the season searching for stability in their bullpen, but reliable relief pitching has remained one of the club’s biggest weaknesses. In an effort to strengthen the group, the Giants claimed right-handed pitcher after the Kansas City Royals designated him for assignment.
Top veteran made his Major League debut earlier this season, though the results were far from encouraging. Across two appearances, he surrendered six earned runs over 5 1/3 innings, posting a 10.13 ERA. Command was also a significant issue, as he issued 10 walks during that brief stint—an area of concern for a Giants pitching staff that has struggled with control throughout the year.
Despite those rough numbers in the majors, Cerantola has shown much more promise in Triple-A. Over 27 appearances, he recorded a 2.67 ERA across 30 1/3 innings while striking out 43 batters against 16 walks. His ability to generate swings and misses has made him an intriguing bullpen option, even if refining his command remains a priority.
The 25-year-old has also represented Canada on the international stage, delivering two scoreless appearances during the World Baseball Classic and demonstrating that he can perform under pressure.
For now, the Giants are expected to assign Cerantola to Triple-A rather than immediately placing him on the Major League roster. However, if he continues to pitch well, he could earn a promotion later this season, particularly if San Francisco moves some veteran relievers before the trade deadline.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Giants designated Gregory Santos for assignment. Santos ultimately cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento, opening a roster spot while remaining in the organization.
The remainder of the season will be critical as San Francisco evaluates its bullpen depth heading into next year. Injuries have further complicated matters, with key relievers such as Matt Gage and Keaton Winn currently sidelined, leaving the club with limited reliable options.
In hindsight, the Giants likely needed to invest more heavily in rebuilding the bullpen during the offseason after last year’s unit declined significantly following the departures and injuries of several key relievers. That lack of depth has carried over into this season, forcing the organization to search for answers throughout the year.
Cerantola now represents another low-risk opportunity for the Giants. If he can build on his impressive Triple-A performance and translate it to the Major Leagues, he could emerge as a valuable bullpen contributor. With the current relief corps still searching for consistency, San Francisco has little to lose by giving promising arms opportunities while preparing for a more comprehensive bullpen overhaul in the offseason.