Giants activate LHP Sam Hentges for long-awaited return

Field Level Media|published: Sun 10th May, 14:17 2026

Feb 19, 2026; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Sam Hentges (31) poses during Photo Day at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

After missing nearly 22 months because of injuries, left-hander San Hentges is set to make his return after he was activated by the San Francisco Giants on Sunday.

The Giants also recalled right-hander Dylan Smith from Triple-A Sacramento, while right-handers Ryan Walker and Gregory Santos were optioned to Triple-A.

Hentges, 29, last pitched in a game on July 10, 2024, as a member of the Cleveland Guardians. He was diagnosed with a left shoulder injury and after two months of recovery, he underwent surgery to repair his labrum and shoulder capsule.

Hentges missed the entire 2025 season, and even underwent knee surgery in August, before signing with the Giants in December. His recovery extended into the current regular season.

Hentges is 7-8 with a 4.18 ERA in 168 appearances (12 starts), all with the Guardians since 2021.

Hentges and Smith are now set to make their Giants debuts. Smith, 25, has seven games of major league experience, all last year as a member of the Detroit Tigers. He was 0-1 with a 2.13 ERA in nine relief appearances at Sacramento this season.

Walker, 30, was 0-1 with three saves in six opportunities and a 6.46 ERA in 16 relief appearances this season, while Santos, 26, had a 3.60 ERA in three relief appearances.

--Field Level Media

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