Top prospect Tyler Beede on verge of MLB debut

SAN FRANCISCO — Tyler Beede arrived at AT&T Park on Monday afternoon. The Giants are being coy, however, about when Beede will actually pitch.  

The top prospect is here as part of a taxi squad and must be activated by Tuesday afternoon, but the front office is still trying to map out the rotation for the next couple of weeks. There's a lot at play. Jeff Samardzija threw 45 pitches in a rehab start Monday and will be ready after one more rehab appearance. Manager Bruce Bochy also would not say whether Johnny Cueto will start on turn Tuesday, although Cueto appears to be under the impression he is. The Giants also could wait and see how they come out of Monday's game before deciding which reliever to option. Pierce Johnson, Josh Osich, Reyes Moronta and Roberto Gomez all have options and management has said more moves will be made this season based on keeping the staff fresh. 

"It's nice to have this flexibility," Bochy said. "But at the same time, you sometimes have to get creative to make sure you're covering all your bases. We have some guys throwing the ball well but they do have options."

The only thing that seems certain is that Beede will start either Tuesday or Wednesday. If the Giants send him down after that, he would have to wait 10 days to return and the organization would need one more spot starter before Samardzija returns. Bochy said he would announce a decision after Monday's game. In the meantime, Beede's family is headed into town to watch. His wife will not be able to attend because she is filming a Western movie in Tucson.  

Beede, 24, was the organization’s first round pick out of Vanderbilt in 2014. He has a 3.70 ERA in 72 minor league starts and went 6-7 with a 4.79 ERA last season in Triple-A. Beede’s first start this season was a five-inning one-hitter for the San Jose Giants. The organization sent him down two levels do he could stay on turn and avoid the rain the River Cats dealt with in Tacoma.