Giants fans might not know the name James Sherfy. It's time for that to change.
Sherfy isn't only off to a great start for the Sacramento River Cats, San Francisco's Triple-A affiliate, he also could represent the Giants on Team USA in the Tokyo Olympics.
The 29-year-old reliever was named to the USA Baseball 28-man training camp roster Sunday for the World Baseball Softball Confederation Baseball Americas Qualifier. The final 26-man roster will be announced on Sunday, May 30.
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The qualifying tournament begins May 31 when Team USA plays Nicaragua in Port St. Lucie, Fla. This is the first time since 2008 that baseball will be played in the Olympics. Six national teams will compete against each other, and four countries -- Japan, Israel, Mexico and South Korea -- already have qualified.
Sherfy has three years of big league experience, all with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He appeared in 43 games out of the bullpen for the D-backs from 2017 through 2019. Over that time, Sherfy went 3-0 with a 2.98 ERA but had a 5.89 ERA his last season in the majors.
Arizona released Sherfy in August of 2020. The Giants then signed him to a minor league contract on Feb, 6, 2021.
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Sherfy has appeared in six games out of the bullpen for the River Cats and has been just about perfect so far this season. In 7 2/3 innings, he hasn't allowed a single run. He has allowed just three hits, walked only one batter, has 11 strikeouts and has recorded two saves.
Not only could Sherfy represent the Giants in the Tokyo Olympics, a return to the bigs very well could be in store with a quick drive to San Francisco.