The San Francisco Giants made a significant pitching change Saturday, as Tony Vitello moved Adrian Houser out of the Giants’ rotation. Houser’s 5.73 ERA forced the San Francisco bullpen into the picture as the club searches for answers.
Houser has struggled badly across 66 innings this season, allowing 79 hits and 47 runs. His recent form made the decision harder to ignore, especially with San Francisco trying to stop a difficult slide.
Over his last five starts, Houser posted a 7.00 ERA and 1.83 WHIP. He also failed to complete five innings in any of those outings, increasing pressure on the bullpen.
The San Francisco Chronicle’s Shayna Rubin shared the update on X, formerly Twitter, after the Giants manager addressed the rotation move before Saturday’s game in Miami.
“Adrian Houser won’t make his next start and is moving to the bullpen going forward, Vitello said.”
Adrian Houser won’t make his next start and is moving to the bullpen going forward, Vitello said.
— Shayna Rubin (@ShaynaRubin) June 20, 2026
The timing matters because Tyler Mahle is nearing a return from the injured list. With Mahle close and Trevor McDonald still in the starting mix, Houser was the one who lost his spot.
The move also underscores a disappointing return on San Francisco’s offseason spending. The 33-year-old right-hander signed a two-year, $22 million deal to help stabilize the rotation, but his results have not matched that investment.
Houser did not hide his frustration with the decision, even while acknowledging why the club made it.
For Vitello, the change is a necessary reset. The Giants entered Saturday at 31-44 with a minus-50 run differential, hoping to recover in the second game of their three-game set with the Marlins after losing Friday’s opener 4-3.
San Francisco needs cleaner innings wherever they can find them. For now, Houser must rebuild trust in relief before earning another rotation chance.
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