Lefty Juan Sanchez could pitch his way into Giants bullpen this summer

The 25-year-old is making an impression as a non-roster invitee after Tommy John surgery

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Juan Sanchez, a 10-year veteran in the San Francisco Giants organization, is making a strong case for a spot in the team's bullpen this season. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024, Sanchez has impressed the Giants' coaching staff with his performance in spring training, where he has yet to allow a run and has held opponents to a .167 batting average. The Giants are in need of left-handed relief options, and Sanchez's ability to pitch effectively against both left-handed and right-handed hitters has caught the attention of manager Tony Vitello and pitching coach Justin Meccage.

Why it matters

Sanchez's potential inclusion in the Giants' bullpen is significant, as the team has been searching for reliable left-handed relief options. The 25-year-old's journey back from Tommy John surgery and his strong spring training performance have made him a compelling candidate for a roster spot, potentially providing the Giants with a valuable left-handed arm in their bullpen.

The details

Sanchez, who has been in the Giants' organization for 10 seasons, is making a strong impression as a non-roster invitee this spring. In four outings, he has allowed only two hits and two walks, holding opponents to a .167 batting average. Pitching coach Justin Meccage praised Sanchez's changeup, which allows him to be effective against both left-handed and right-handed hitters, and his overall personality and work ethic. Manager Tony Vitello also expressed his admiration for Sanchez, calling him a "great kid" and noting that he is in a good position to potentially earn a spot on the roster.

  • Sanchez had Tommy John surgery on June 20, 2024.
  • Sanchez appeared in seven games in the Arizona Fall League in 2025, a big step forward in his recovery.

The players

Juan Sanchez

A 25-year-old left-handed pitcher who has been in the San Francisco Giants organization for 10 seasons and is making a strong case for a spot in the team's bullpen this season after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Tony Vitello

The manager of the San Francisco Giants, who has expressed his admiration for Sanchez and believes he is in a good position to potentially earn a roster spot.

Justin Meccage

The pitching coach for the San Francisco Giants, who has praised Sanchez's changeup and overall personality and work ethic.

Matt Gage

A 33-year-old journeyman left-handed reliever who is currently the only healthy left-handed bullpen option on the Giants' 40-man roster.

Carson Whisenhunt

A Giants starting pitcher who is a possibility for a long relief role in the bullpen.

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What they’re saying

“We just like where he's at right now. He's kind of a different kind of look for hitters, and he can throw that changeup to both lefties and righties — and he's a great guy to be around. Great personality.”

— Justin Meccage, Pitching Coach (sfchronicle.com)

“I'm a big Sanch fan. I don't want to play favorites too much, but he's a great kid. I think he's in a good spot where he's hopefully kind of smelling blood there, that there's a little bit of an opportunity.”

— Tony Vitello, Manager (sfchronicle.com)

“It's taken me a while to feel great again, but I do now. I learned a lot of things. I grew stronger. I think I'm better now. I'm more confident, I can handle pressure better.”

— Juan Sanchez (sfchronicle.com)

What’s next

Sanchez needs to continue building up his workload and proving his effectiveness against both left-handed and right-handed hitters in order to secure a spot on the Giants' Opening Day roster. The team will be monitoring his progress closely throughout the remainder of spring training.

The takeaway

Juan Sanchez's journey back from Tommy John surgery and his impressive spring training performance have made him a compelling candidate for a spot in the Giants' bullpen this season. His ability to pitch effectively against both left-handed and right-handed hitters, combined with his strong work ethic and positive attitude, have caught the attention of the Giants' coaching staff and could provide the team with a valuable left-handed relief option as they look to build a competitive bullpen.