SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Jeff Samardzija threw four shutout innings against the Colorado Rockies Friday afternoon, and in keeping with the Giants’ new strategy this spring against NL West opponents, he completed building his pitch count in the bullpen.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti had Madison Bumgarner do the same thing earlier in the week when the ace left-hander threw two innings against the San Diego Padres before finishing in the bullpen to avoid giving their batters a second look.
They’ll have Johnny Cueto avoid the Padres entirely on Saturday. Cueto will start at Giants’ minor league complex against a Triple-A opponent.