MLB trade deadline: Madison Bumgarner discusses remaining with Giants

E.Jay Zarett

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MLB trade deadline: Madison Bumgarner discusses remaining with Giants image

Madison Bumgarner is still with the Giants.

San Francisco was originally expected to move the 29-year-old starter before Wednesday’s deadline. But, the team worked its way back into playoff contention after the All-Star break and ultimately held onto Bumgarner.

"I never expected to be somewhere else until that happened," Bumgarner told reporters, via NBC Sports Bay Area. "Nothing has changed for me. I don't look at it as being past a hurdle. I've got a job to do and I'm going to do it. That's why we all show up here. Nobody is here collecting paychecks. We're trying to win games."

Bumgarner holds a 6-7 record with a 3.74 ERA in 23 starts so far this season. He has struck out 140 and walked 29 in 139 2/3 innings on the mound.

"I feel the exact same, honestly," Bumgarner said. "I feel I've done a good job of not letting that stuff creep into my head."

The four-time All-Star has spent his entire 11-year career with San Francisco and has won three World Series during his time with the team.

"(Bumgarner’s) the kind of leader that when he's on your side, you always feel like you have a chance," Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi said. "If you're an underdog, if you're a wild card, if you're eight games back in the standings or two games back in the standings. When you have a guy who has done what he's done and led the way he has led, he makes you feel like you always have a chance. I know the guys are excited that he's still got that uniform on his back."

The Giants still had an active deadline despite keeping Bumgarner. They sent Mark Melancon to the Braves, Drew Pomeranz to the Brewers and Sam Dyson to the Twins. San Francisco also added second baseman Scooter Gennett in a deal with the Reds.

The Giants entered play Wednesday 2 1/2 games out of the second wild-card spot with a 54-53 record.

 

E.Jay Zarett