Trevor McDonald officially joins the Giants

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 22: Manager Tony Vitello #23 of the San Francisco Giants takes pitcher Trevor McDonald #72 out of the game against the Chicago White Sox in the top of the fourth inning at Oracle Park on May 22, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images Friday’s 9-4 loss against the Chicago White Sox was just the latest in a growing line of duds, of get-it-over-with games — and it started with an element of promise.

They always do: fresh off a day of rest, back home after a nine game road trip, Trevor McDonald on the mound. McDonald’s career still qualifies as fledgling— Friday was just his sixth career start and fourth this year — but he’s already earned a reputation as a ballast for the rotation and fanbase. McDonald has taken the mound calmly, stoically, against Los Angeles (twice), against San Diego, and helped everyone in the Giants organization feel a little less insane.

San Francisco had won every one of his starts. The young right-hander had pitched into the 6th in every one of his outings while logging four quality starts. Three runs were the most he had allowed in a game going into Friday.

The reason for McDonald’s early success has been his ability to stay out of trouble. He’s attacked the zone aggressively so far and that’s because he trusts the weight of his sinker and movement of his slider. Strikeouts aren’t necessary because batters weren’t hitting the ball hard against him, and more often than not, those balls in play were diving directly into the ground.