SF Giants prospect Blade Tidwell to undergo MRI due to shoulder discomfort

SAN DIEGO — Blade Tidwell was knocking on the door of making his Giants debut, but now it’s possible he may have to wait until next season.

Tidwell, who is currently pitching for Triple-A Sacramento, experienced discomfort in his right shoulder following a recent bullpen session, according to manager Bob Melvin, and is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday.

The 24-year-old right-hander was one of three players that the Giants acquired in the deal that sent reliever Tyler Rogers to the New York Mets, the other two being right-hander José Buttó and outfielder Drew Gilbert.

Tidwell made his major-league debut earlier this season with the Mets and had pitched well upon joining the River Cats. Over three starts, Tidwell has posted a 1.69 ERA over three starts and struck out 23 batters over 16 innings.

With Tidwell dealing with his shoulder ailment, it’s unclear which starting pitcher is next in line to get an opportunity with San Francisco.

Hayden Birdsong, 23, has made four starts with Sacramento since being optioned in late July and is scheduled to start for the River Cats on Wednesday night. Over those four starts, Birdsong allowed nine earned runs over 16 1/3 innings (4.96 ERA) and surrendered five homers while totaling 18 strikeouts and seven walks.

Carson Whisenhunt could also be a possibility after making three starts with the Giants (5.02 ERA) before being optioned back to Sacramento. Whisenhunt has only made one start since returning to Triple-A, allowing two runs over 5 1/3 innings and striking out six but walking four.

There’s also right-hander Trevor McDonald, who has done well from a run prevention standpoint in August. Over his last three starts, McDonald has allowed six runs over 18 innings (3.00 ERA) with 24 strikeouts over 18 innings. It is worth noting that McDonald allowed five homers during those three starts.

Along with the starting pitchers, the Giants will have to decide whether to give top prospect Bryce Eldridge a cup of coffee in the majors prior to season’s end.

Eldridge has shown power over the last month since returning from a right hamstring strain, hitting nine home runs and posting a .529 slugging percentage over his last 28 games. While the pop has been on display, the 20-year-old has a .240 batting average and .314 slugging percentage while striking out in 33.9 percent of his plate appearances during that same stretch.

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When Buster Posey discussed Eldridge on KNBR earlier this month, the Giants’ president of baseball operations said, “I think there’s a chance, but there’s a chance he doesn’t as well.”

“He’s continuing to make strides, and we’re going to keep watching him and see where we are as we continue to move forward. Nothing’s etched in stone,” Posey said.

Catcher/infielder Jesus Rodriguez, who was part of the return from the New York Yankees in exchange for Camilo Doval, could also warrant some consideration in September when the rosters expand.

Rodriguez hasn’t found his stride at the plate since joining Sacramento, posting a .644 OPS with no homers over 14 games entering Wednesday. Rodriguez also has yet to catch since joining the River Cats, being used exclusively as a designated hitter.

Worth noting

Shortstop Willy Adames returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday after sitting on Tuesday due to right side soreness.
Third baseman Matt Chapman continued to make progress as he returns from right hand inflammation, taking batting practice on the field at Petco Park prior to Wednesday night’s game.