Alex Cobb is scheduled to throw three innings during one of Friday’s split-squad games against the Chicago Cubs, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The veteran right-hander struck out five in two hitless frames during a minor league spring game Saturday. This comes after Cobb underwent hip surgery in October and wasn’t expected to return in the middle of the summer. While he is significantly ahead of his recovery timeline, a stint on the injured list to begin the season is a strong possibility.
“It’s been unbelievable to watch him throw, and now it’s going to be live,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said. “It looks like he’s game-ready, it’s pretty remarkable.”
Alex Cobb is throwing three innings against the Cubs on Friday. That’s right. Alex Cobb. Who was expected back at midseason. What a marvel.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) March 19, 2024
Alex Cobb on Track For Spring Debut
At this rate, Cobb could be ramped up for his season debut just a few weeks into the season. He spent the first month of the offseason rehabbing and received multiple treatment therapies. However, he decided to undergo surgery following a second opinion from Dr. Philippon. The 36-year-old veteran has been one of the Giants’ best starters over the last two seasons, earning his first All-Star selection in 2023. Cobb finished out the season with a 3.87 ERA over 28 starts for San Francisco.
Cobb underwent a similar procedure for his right hip in 2019 when he was with the Baltimore Orioles. He recovered in time for spring training but did not get fully stretched out due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Threw First Bullpen Session Last Week
Last week saw Cobb throw his first live batting practice since undergoing surgery. He threw just over 30 pitches, feeling tied but normal at once.
“I feel like my mind isn’t on my hip anymore,” Cobb said. “The arm felt good, velocity was good, so overall I think it was a good day.”
With Cobb progressing quicker than expected, it didn’t stop the Giants from adding depth to their rotation when they signed Blake Snell on Monday.
Cobb Is Excited for His New Teammate
Cobb and the two-time Cy Young Award winner were teammates with the Tampa Bay Rays from 2016-2017. Snell finally agreed to a two-year, $62 million deal, with an opt-out after the first year. His addition changes the Giants’ pitching staff which was already thin.
“It sounds like Blake’s been throwing a sim game and stuff like that,” Cobb said. “I’m excited to talk to him about all that.”
Logan Webb is both reliable and terrific, but behind him, not so much. San Francisco is relying on converted reliever Jordan Hicks and a talented but inexperienced rookie in Kyle Harrison. Robbie Ray is recovering from elbow surgery as he could be a midsummer reinforcement. When Ray returns, the Giants rotation will have three Cy Young Awards and a mix of looks.
Main Photo: © Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
