Jeff Samardzija Headed To the DL

The Giants are shutting down pitcher Jeff Samardzija again.

Kerry Crowley of the Bay Area News Group is reporting that the San Francisco Giants are placing Samardzija on the 10-day disabled list with what is being called inflammation in his pitching shoulder. In a corresponding move, the Giants have recalled infielder Kelby Tomlinson from Triple-A Sacramento.

For Samardzija, this is the third time this season he's gone to the DL. This is the second time he's gone for shoulder troubles. Entering this year, he was known for his durability and had been pitching 200-plus seasons for five straight seasons going into 2018. This season hasn't been great in those numbers. He's only thrown 44 2/3 innings as we reach the halfway point of the season. Not only that, he hasn't been healthy enough when he's taken the field and now there are reports the Giants are going to try to dump his salary.

This season, Samardzija has pitched to a 6.25 ERA, thanks in part to a poor strikeout rate and a high walk rate with 5.24 walks a game. There's also been a decline in his velocity throw, which is not good for a guy who's been durable for this team for the past few seasons.

Samardzija is in the middle of a five-year, $80 million contract. He was rewarded with that contract when he proved himself to be a quality mid-rotation starter. Now, with the Giants hoping to stay under the $197 million competitive-tax threshold, they'll be hoping to find a trade partner and get rid of his contract. The club has already reportedly make him available in trade offers, but his 2018 performance and his injury troubles could make him an immovable piece.

Despite his woes, the Giants are still in a good spot with a record of 50-47. They're three games out of a Wild Card spot and 3 1/2 games behind the NL West-leading Dodgers. If Samardzija is scheduled to miss time after the All-Star break, the club will most likely turn back to Derek Holland to fill that role. Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, Andrew Suarez, and Dereck Rodriguez currently make out the starting rotation for the Giants.

We'll see if Samardzija can make a solid return again to the Giants rotation but considering his injury woes and his pitching numbers, it seems more likely they'll try to find a trade partner before they have to make a pitching decision on him.