Kyle Harrison Cruises Through May

Lefthander Kyle Harrison worked a combined nine innings in his first three professional starts for Low-A San Jose in May. Of those 27 outs, 22 came via strikeout.

No wonder San Jose pitching coach Paul Oseguera gave this succinct analysis of the 19-year-old’s repertoire: “Fastball: explosive. Slider: sharp. Changeup: the break arm-side is fun to watch.”

The Giants drafted Harrison in the third round in 2020 out of De La Salle High in Concord, Calif. Given his low-three quarters arm slot and repertoire, he has spent plenty of time analyzing Chris Sale.

“Our arm slots are somewhat the same,” Harrison said. “I’m not as exaggerated as him, but . . . I like the way he attacks guy. We kind of have the same repertoire. I like to watch him pitch. I get ideas from him.”

Sale, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, has remarkable control for a power pitcher. His 5.37 strikeout-to-walk ratio is the best in history.

Control was an issue for Harrison in his first two starts. He walked eight and hit two batters over a combined 5.1 innings.

“All pitchers at times will struggle with their command,” Oseguera said. “Kyle is so professional and focused on his craft that I think it’ll be a quick learning curve for him.”

Oseguera said that May 19. The next night, Harrison racked up eight strikeouts against a lone walk—though he did hit two batters—in 3.2 innings at Fresno.

While Harrison was in high school, he worked with Oseguera. Harrison, listed at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, appreciates what Oseguera has done for him on the physical and mental sides of pitching.

“He’s helped me get some cues,” Harrison said. “When I’m on the mound and things aren’t going good, get some cues to lock back in.”

Oseguera pitched at UCLA in 2005 and 2006. Harrison had committed to the Bruins but signed with the Giants for $2.5 million.

“This is my dream,” Harrison said. “This is what I want to do.”

GIANTICS

— The Giants claimed outfielder Braden Bishop on waivers from the Mariners on May 17 but quickly designated him for assignment, thus exposing him to waivers. If he goes unclaimed and remains with the Giants, he will join older brother Hunter Bishop, the team’s first-round pick in 2019, in the organization.