The San Francisco Giants are looking to rebound this season, especially with their former All-Star closer Camilo Doval aiming to reclaim his spot. After a stellar 2023 where he recorded 69 saves with a 2.77 ERA, Doval faltered in 2024, posting a 4.88 ERA and facing issues with walks and hard-hit balls. His struggles led to a minor league stint, with Ryan Walker stepping in as the closer. However, Doval has returned to Spring Training showing signs of improvement, mentally and physically, as he starts to mentor younger players.
With the Giants' recent performance in one-run games being mediocre, the revival of Doval could be pivotal. His partnership with Walker could enhance the team's late-game strategy if he regains his All-Star form. The team's success in close games is crucial as they contend in the competitive NL West.