Jordan Hicks, back in the San Francisco Giants’ rotation this season after spending the second half of last year in the bullpen, is ceding his starting spot yet again. Hayden Birdsong, one of the Giants’ best pitchers the first six weeks,

Hicks signed a four-year, $44 million deal with the Giants in January 2024 to join the team as a starter after spending years with the St. Louis Cardinals as a reliever. The right-hander started hot (1.59 ERA in April) but transitioned to the bullpen by late July as the innings added up and fatigue set in.

The Giants are making a big change to their pitching staff, shifting Jordan Hicks back to the bullpen and moving Hayden Birdsong into their starting rotation.