Sam Long took a different journey to the majors. He was an 18th round draft choice of the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2016 MLB Draft who spent two seasons in their system before he was released before the 2018 season. Long began taking EMT classes, but gave baseball another chance and was signed by the White Sox in 2019. After the minor league season was lost last year, he signed a deal with the San Francisco Giants for 2021.
Long was essentially a project, albeit an intriguing one. His velocity increased during the layoff last year, with his fastball sitting in the mid 90s. Add in an improved changeup and an excellent curve, and the 25 year old lefty had the potential to be an underrated signing.
Sam Long impresses in San Francisco Giants debut
It did not take long for Long to impress. He began the season in Double-A and quickly proved he was beyond that level of competition, allowing six runs, five earned, on 12 hits and four walks while striking out 22 batters in 15 innings. Long needed even less time to show he could dominate at Triple-A, throwing 7.2 shutout innings while allowing a hit and a walk, striking out 15 batters.
Long’s journey finally came to an end with his major league debut on Wednesday. He was expected to last for about four or five innings, as he had typically thrown approximately 60 pitches per outing. The Giants had planned to keep him at that range so that he could be used depending on their need; as a starter, it would not take long to stretch him out, and as a reliever, he could work multiple innings.
His debut lasted for exactly 69 pitches over four plus innings, as he was lifted after allowing a leadoff double in the fifth inning. That baserunner came around to score, as he allowed one run on one hit and a walk over 4+ innings, striking out seven batters. It was an impressive debut for someone who was ready to walk away from the game just three short years ago.
It remains to be seen how long he will remain in the majors. Aaron Sanchez is on a rehab assignment and could be ready for the next time this spot in the rotation comes up. However, based on Long’s debut, he deserves a chance to stay in the majors.
Sam Long had a different path to the major leagues. Considering how impressive his debut with the San Francisco Giants was, it was well worth the wait.