Blade Tidwell Embraces Opportunity to Fill Giants’ Rotation San Francisco Giants pitcher Blade Tidwell returned to the major leagues after being sent down to Triple-A earlier in the 2026 season, with the goal of transitioning from a reliever to a starting pitcher. His recent performance in a game against the Texas Rangers highlighted his potential to contribute to the Giants’ rotation as the second half of the season approaches. Tidwell, who had previously served as a reliever for the Giants, faced challenges in adapting to the demands of starting, but his efforts have shown promise. The Giants’ decision to send Tidwell to Triple-A was driven by the need to address rotation gaps, particularly after key starters like Robbie Ray and Tyler Mahle were traded, and Trevor McDonald was set to undergo Tommy John surgery. Tidwell’s return to the majors was marked by a solid start in a 5-4 loss to the Rangers, where he pitched five innings, allowing two earned runs. His performance demonstrated growth since his return, as he focused on refining his arsenal and adjusting to the mental demands of starting. Tidwell’s pitching repertoire included a mix of a four-seam fastball in the upper 90s and a wipeout sweeper, both of which were effective during the game. He also introduced a new changeup, which he had practiced extensively in Triple-A, even if some attempts were less than ideal. Despite a slight drop in velocity compared to his relieving days—averaging 94.7 mph, down from his previous 96-98 mph range—Tidwell expressed confidence that his velocity could stabilize as a starter. His 100th pitch of the game reached 95.6 mph, indicating he still has the capability to maintain high velocity. Tony Vitello, Tidwell’s former coach at Tennessee, provided insight into the pitcher’s character and potential.#san_francisco_giants #texas_rangers #tony_vitello #blade_tidwell #trevor_mcdonald
