The San Francisco Giants might not say it publicly, but they’re turning their attention to the 2026 season. And unfortunately, they released some news on Tuesday that we all hope doesn’t impact that season. A few hours before the start of their series against the Chicago Cubs, the Giants announced that closer Randy Rodríguez had been placed on the 15-Day Injured List (retroactive to August 23) with a right elbow sprain. Taking his place on the roster is fellow right-handed pitcher Keaton Winn, who
has been recalled from AAA Sacramento.
Needless to say, an elbow sprain with a pitcher, especially one who touches triple digits, is always a concern, though it doesn’t automatically mean the worst. Most Tommy John surgeries start with an IL stint for elbow sprains or soreness, but often a player is back in a few weeks, as happened to Landen Roupp recently. So while we’re all holding our breath hoping that this trip to the IL doesn’t cost Rodríguez his 2026 season, it very well could be that he’s back in early September.
Rodríguez has had a breakout season, which featured an All-Star selection, though he’s been struggling lately. Through July 26, a few days before the Giants traded fellow All-Star Camilo Doval and named Rodríguez the closer, the righty had allowed just four earned runs in 43 appearances. Since then, he’s given up six earned runs in just seven outings, and perhaps a barking elbow is the reason why. Fingers crossed that he’s back to normal in no time.
As for Winn, it will be his second stint on the roster this year, after he recently filled in when Ryan Walker was placed on the Paternity List. Winn missed three months due to injury this year, but has been pitching very well, including a pair of scoreless outings during his weekend with the team earlier this month.
With Rodríguez sidelined, Walker will step in as the new/old closer. He began the season as the closer, before ceding the role to Doval, who gave it to Rodríguez.
