The last time Giants top prospect Kyle Harrison took the mound in a competitive game, it didn't go well as he was knocked around in the 2022 MLB Futures Game during All-Star weekend at Dodger Stadium last Saturday.
A week later, in his first start for Double-A Richmond since the Futures Games, Harrison more than made up for his poor outing in LA.
Limited to just three innings at home against the Bowie Baysox on Saturday, Harrison recorded all nine outs via strikeouts. The only blemish on his stat line was a leadoff walk in the first inning. After that, the Baltimore Orioles' Double-A squad had no chance.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Six of Harrison's nine strikeouts were of the swinging variety.
Harrison's numbers at Double-A are eye-popping. He now has 69 strikeouts in 45 1/3 innings and he lowered his ERA with Richmond to 2.98.
The 2020 third-round draft pick has flown up the Giants' prospect rankings (currently No. 2 per MLB Pipeline), is ranked No. 25 in all of baseball per Pipeline and is accelerating his timeline to the big leagues.
San Francisco Giants
Whether Harrison reaches the big leagues with the Giants or perhaps the Washington Nationals remains to be seen. He has been one of the names mentioned in any potential trade package San Francisco might be able to put together for 23-year-old superstar outfielder Juan Soto, who could be moved ahead of the Aug. 2 MLB trade deadline.
RELATED: Nationals reportedly want 4-5 young players in trade for Soto
The Giants have to be thrilled with what they saw from Harrison on Saturday, and if the Nationals were scouting him, they very likely left the ballpark in Richmond, Virginia impressed by the 20-year-old lefty.