San Francisco Giants’ Bullpen Conundrum: Is the Co-Closer Experiment Working?
The San Francisco Giants have stormed out of the gates in the 2025 season, showcasing a dominant performance fueled in large part by the formidable strength of their bullpen. Under the guidance of veteran manager Bob Melvin, the Giants have appeared to have found a potent formula for late-game success. However, a recent hiccup has prompted questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of Melvin’s innovative ninth-inning co-closer experiment. The current strategy hinges on the dynamic duo of Ryan Walker and Camilo Doval, both possessing the talent to shut down opposing hitters in high-pressure situations. But is this approach truly maximizing the potential of both pitchers, or is it creating unnecessary complications for the Giants’ bullpen management?
Melvin’s decision to deploy both Walker and Doval in save situations stems from a combination of factors, including Walker’s occasional unavailability due to minor physical setbacks. A recent instance in Cincinnati saw Walker sidelined with back tightness, forcing Melvin to adjust his plans on the fly. Furthermore, in a recent game against the Seattle Mariners, Walker was deemed unavailable, not due to injury, but rather due to the workload he had shouldered in the preceding two contests. This highlights the delicate balance managers must strike between utilizing their best arms and safeguarding their long-term health and effectiveness. With Walker unavailable, the responsibility fell squarely on Doval’s shoulders in a crucial one-run game in the ninth inning.
Unfortunately, Doval’s performance in that outing left much to be desired. He surrendered a blown save, allowing the Mariners to tie the game. Fortunately, the Giants rallied in the bottom of the ninth, securing a walk-off victory and averting a potentially devastating loss. While the Giants ultimately emerged victorious, Doval’s struggles served as a stark reminder of the inconsistencies that plagued him in the previous season. The outing was marred by two hits and two walks, the latter being particularly concerning as they represented Doval’s first free passes of the season. While he managed to limit the damage to just one run, the performance evoked memories of the erratic Doval that Giants fans had grown accustomed to in 2024.
The question now looms: Is it time for Melvin to re-evaluate his co-closer arrangement? Is Doval truly ready to reclaim his role as the Giants’ primary closer, or is he better suited for lower-leverage situations? These are the questions that Melvin and the Giants’ coaching staff must grapple with as they navigate the early stages of the season. The success of the Giants’ bullpen, and indeed their overall chances of contending for a playoff spot, may hinge on their ability to find the right answers.
Doval’s Rocky Outing Raises Concerns
Doval’s struggles in 2024 were well-documented. He posted a career-worst 4.88 ERA across 59 innings pitched, a far cry from the dominant closer he had been in previous seasons. While he did manage to convert 23 of his 28 save opportunities, his inability to consistently throw strikes ultimately led to him losing the closer role to Walker. A staggering 39 walks in 59 innings is simply unsustainable for a pitcher in a high-leverage role. This lack of control not only inflated his ERA but also put immense pressure on the Giants’ defense and increased the likelihood of late-inning meltdowns. The Giants knew that if they wanted to make a deep playoff run, they needed Doval to rediscover his command and regain his confidence on the mound. The team hoped that a strong spring training would translate to improved performance during the regular season.
During spring training this year, Doval showed encouraging signs of improvement, demonstrating a renewed ability to locate his pitches and throw strikes with greater consistency. This newfound control carried over into his first few outings of the regular season, leading to optimism that he had finally turned a corner. He began to resemble the Doval of 2022 and 2023, the pitcher who had established himself as one of the elite closers in the game and earned an All-Star selection. The possibility of a co-closer situation with both Doval and Walker, who had been garnering praise from opposing hitters, became a tantalizing prospect for the Giants and their fans. The idea of having two reliable options to close out games provided Melvin with a valuable strategic advantage and offered a sense of security in the late innings.
However, Doval’s recent outing has served as a cautionary tale, reminding everyone that his control issues have not been completely eradicated. While it is important not to overreact to a single bad performance, it is equally important to acknowledge the warning signs and address them before they escalate into a larger problem. Doval needs to demonstrate that his improved control is sustainable and not merely a fleeting glimpse of his former self. He needs to prove that he can consistently find the strike zone, even in the most pressure-packed situations. Only then can Melvin truly trust him to close out tight games with confidence.
The Giants’ success hinges on Doval’s ability to regain his command and re-establish himself as a reliable closer. If he can do that, the co-closer arrangement could become a valuable asset for the team. But if he continues to struggle with his control, Melvin may need to rethink his strategy and explore alternative options for the ninth inning.
Exploring Alternative Closer Strategies
Despite the recent setback, Doval has already recorded two saves this season, both of which came with a comfortable three-run lead in the ninth inning. This raises an interesting question: Should Melvin consider employing a more specialized co-closer arrangement, one that caters to the specific game situation? Perhaps Walker could be reserved for one- or two-run leads in the ninth inning, while Doval could be deployed when the Giants have a more comfortable three- or four-run advantage. This approach would allow Melvin to leverage Walker’s consistency and reliability in high-pressure situations while still providing Doval with opportunities to contribute and regain his confidence.
Such a strategy could also serve to protect Walker’s arm, especially after he logged a significant 80 innings of work in 2024. Managing the workload of bullpen arms is crucial, particularly early in the season, to prevent fatigue and potential injuries. By distributing the save opportunities strategically, Melvin can ensure that no one gets overused or burned out. This is particularly important for Walker, who is a key component of the Giants’ bullpen and whose health and effectiveness are essential to the team’s success. The team will need him healthy as the season progresses.
Of course, implementing such a specialized arrangement would not be without its challenges. It could be difficult to execute if the Giants were to find themselves in a series of consecutive one-run games. In such scenarios, Melvin would need to be flexible and adapt his strategy based on the specific circumstances. However, the potential benefits of this approach, in terms of workload management and optimized performance, make it worth considering. The Giants have the luxury of having two legitimate closer options, a valuable asset that many teams lack. The key will be for Melvin to find the right way to utilize these arms effectively as the season progresses.
Ultimately, the Giants’ success in the late innings will depend on Melvin’s ability to make the right decisions and adapt his strategy as needed. He must carefully monitor the performance of both Walker and Doval, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and make adjustments accordingly. The co-closer experiment has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Giants, but only if it is implemented strategically and with careful consideration of the individual pitchers involved.
The Road Ahead: Patience and Adaptability are Key
The Giants’ bullpen situation is a work in progress, and it is important to remember that there will be ups and downs along the way. Doval’s recent struggles should not be cause for panic, but rather an opportunity for reflection and adjustment. He has the talent and potential to be a dominant closer, but he needs to consistently demonstrate that he has regained his command and control. Melvin and the Giants’ coaching staff must provide him with the support and guidance he needs to overcome his challenges and reach his full potential. At the same time, they must be prepared to adapt their strategy if necessary and explore alternative options for the ninth inning. The Giants’ ultimate goal is to win games, and they must be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.
As the season unfolds, the Giants will face a variety of challenges and opportunities. Their ability to navigate these challenges and capitalize on these opportunities will determine their ultimate success. The bullpen will undoubtedly play a crucial role in this process, and the co-closer arrangement will be a key point of focus. By remaining patient, adaptable, and committed to finding the best possible solution, the Giants can maximize the potential of their bullpen and position themselves for a successful season.
The fact remains that having two legitimate closer options is a luxury in modern baseball. It provides flexibility, allows for workload management, and creates a competitive environment that can bring out the best in both pitchers. The Giants must embrace this advantage and continue to explore ways to optimize their bullpen usage. Whether that means sticking with the co-closer arrangement, implementing a more specialized approach, or ultimately designating one pitcher as the primary closer, the key is to remain open-minded and adaptable. The road to success is rarely linear, and the Giants must be prepared to adjust their course as they navigate the ups and downs of the season. With a talented roster and a seasoned manager at the helm, the Giants have the potential to achieve great things in 2025. The bullpen will be a critical component of their success, and the co-closer experiment will be a story worth watching as the season unfolds.
