Landen Roupp may not have been the expected choice to start the SF Giants’ spring training opener. However, the team announced that he will take the mound for their Cactus League debut against the Texas Rangers on February 22nd. This decision raises questions about its potential impact on the Giants’ rotation.
Many might have assumed that Logan Webb, the team’s ace, would be the natural choice to start, even in exhibition games. However, it’s not uncommon for teams to avoid using their top pitchers in the first spring training game. Given Webb’s experience—having pitched six seasons in the majors—and his heavy workload as the league leader in innings pitched over the past two years, the Giants may be opting for a more cautious approach. With no urgency to push Webb early in spring, the team appears to be prioritizing his long-term readiness.
SF Giants will give Landen Roupp the ball in the spring opener.
Roupp getting the nod to start the first spring training game is certainly an intriguing choice. The young right-hander impressed last spring to the point that he made the Giants’ Opening Day roster despite never having pitched at the Triple-A level.
While he initially struggled as a reliever in the majors, he showed promise later in the season when given a chance to start. He made a strong case for himself as a rotation candidate, delivering three solid outings in four starts. In those first three starts, he pitched five innings each time, allowing two or fewer earned runs. However, his final start was much tougher, as he surrendered six earned runs in just 3 2/3 innings. If he can build on his earlier success, he could emerge as a surprise contender for the fifth spot in the rotation.
Currently, Kyle Harrison and Hayden Birdsong are considered the frontrunners for that role, but Roupp shouldn’t be overlooked. His performance last year proved he has the potential to be a starter, and a strong spring could earn him a spot in the rotation or at least a role as a long reliever.
While his assignment as the first spring training starter shouldn’t be overanalyzed, it does give him a valuable chance to make a strong early impression in his bid for a roster spot.
