SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — One of the primary themes of Giants camp this spring is “competition,” but until Tuesday, it seemed as if the team’s starting rotation was largely settled.
Veterans Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija, Kevin Gausman and Drew Smyly were all assured of starting jobs and right-hander Tyler Beede appeared to be the front-runner for the last spot.
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That changed when Beede exited his Cactus League outing on Tuesday against the Rangers with an injury and was later diagnosed with a UCL sprain and a flexor strain. The Giants’ 2014 first round draft pick said his UCL is largely intact and he’s optimistic he’ll be able to avoid Tommy John surgery, but the elbow issues will almost assuredly force him to begin the season on the injured list.