6 years agoSan Francisco Giants relief pitcher Hunter Strickland (hand) was able to throw weighted balls on Friday and is confident he'll be ready to return when first eligible on Aug. 19. Strickland suffered a broken right hand and has been out of action since June 18. When healthy, Strickland has worked as San Francisco's closer, pitching to a 2.84 ERA and a 29/13 K/BB ratio with 13 saves. It's unclear what the Giants' plans are when Strickland returns. Will Smith has been filling in admirably during Strickland's absence, and can run away with the job. Manager Bruce Bochy could also decide to give Strickland the full-time closer role back or roll with a committee. Will Smith is a must-own for now, but Strickland's return could muddy the waters for both pitchers.--Dan Fappiano
Source: Henry Schulman