Hayden Birdsong Optioned to Triple-A Sacramento Following Continued Struggles

San Francisco Giants right-hander Hayden Birdsong has been optioned to Triple-A Sacramento after failing to record an out in Monday night's 9-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves, marking the first time in his 37-career appearances. Birdsong displayed significant control issues in his most recent outing, throwing just six strikes in 25 pitches, issuing four walks, hitting a batter, and throwing a wild pitch while allowing five runs. These struggles contribute to his overall 4.80 ERA for the season, which has ballooned to an 8.13 ERA over his last seven starts, and he has accumulated 17 walks in his last 13 innings.