San Francisco Giants lose Birdsong to Tommy John surgery

The San Francisco Giants were dealt a tough blow to their pitching depth, announcing that right-hander Hayden Birdsong will undergo Tommy John surgery next week, sidelining him for the entire season.

Birdsong, 24, was coming off a 2025 campaign in which he showed flashes of promise despite some inconsistency. He appeared in 21 games (10 starts), posting a 4-4 record with a 4.80 ERA across 65.2 innings.

The right-hander also struck out 68 batters and finished with a 1.49 WHIP. While the numbers were uneven, his ability to miss bats and handle multiple roles made him a valuable depth arm for the San Francisco Giants, especially prior to the offseason moves that addressed the staff.

Hayden Birdsong #60 of the San Francisco Giants pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 2, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

More on San Francisco Giants pitcher Hayden Birdsong

Across his young MLB career, Birdsong owns a 9-10 record with a 4.77 ERA in 37 appearances (26 starts). He has logged 137.2 innings with 156 strikeouts and a 1.44 WHIP. Those numbers reflect both his upside and the developmental work still ahead—progress that will now be delayed by surgery and rehab.

Despite the loss, the San Francisco Giants still have a solid foundation in their starting rotation.

Ace and Rocklin native Logan Webb continues to anchor the staff, while veteran and former Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray will be joined by newcomers Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle to provide experience and stability.

That group should give San Francisco a reliable front four as they navigate the season without Birdsong.

Beyond the major league roster, the San Francisco Giants have built notable depth at Triple-A Sacramento. Former top prospect Carson Whisenhunt, Blake Tidwell, and Carson Seymour are all waiting in the wings and could factor into the rotation at some point this year. Each brings a different profile, but all represent potential reinforcements as the season unfolds.

Ultimately, Birdsong’s absence tests the organization’s pitching depth early. For the San Francisco Giants, the focus now shifts to staying healthy, leaning on their veteran core, and potentially accelerating the timeline for their young arms as they look to weather another challenging setback on the mound.

Now, onto Opening Day, as the season-opener against the New York Yankees at Oracle Park (Wednesday, March 25th) approaches.