Rookie Matt Wilkinson struck out Ohtani and Teoscar Hernandez in a strong final start, and waiver pickup Camilo Doval touched 99.5 mph in a scoreless relief inning, but Kike Hernandez's go-ahead ninth-inning homer sent San Francisco to a loss that guarantees a finish at least 30 games under .500.

Doval, projected for a $7-8 million arbitration salary, is viewed by the front office as a potential setup man next to Randy Rodriguez while the club plans to pursue an established closer this offseason. "I just want to do what I'm capable of," Doval said.

Triple-A Sacramento's Carson Seymour earned Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year honors, Double-A Richmond fell in the playoffs despite a franchise attendance record, and Single-A San Jose remained alive in its title chase.

San Francisco's lineup went dark against Skubal with five games left in a lost season; Yunior Marte took the loss.

Doval, a former All-Star closer with San Francisco, returns to the organization after Pittsburgh's move was driven primarily by cost. He has posted a 4.42 ERA with the Yankees and Pirates since a mid-2025 trade, off his 3.29 career ERA with the Giants.

Tidwell was diagnosed with a "high-grade" UCL sprain and is not expected back before 2028, becoming the fourth young Giants starter to need elbow surgery in 2026. "It's pretty concerning. It's not something that I want..." Tidwell said.

Krukow, a former Giants pitcher turned longtime color commentator alongside Duane Kuiper, is retiring after decades in the booth, capping a run that included calling the team's 2010 World Series title.

San Francisco reunited with former All-Star closer Camilo Doval, whom it traded to the Yankees at the 2025 deadline, claiming him off waivers from Pittsburgh with three games left in the season. Blade Tidwell, recently recommended for Tommy John surgery, was moved to the 60-day IL in the corresponding transaction.

San Francisco placed right-hander Blade Tidwell on the injured list with a high-grade UCL sprain after he exited his September 21 start early; he is scheduled to see a specialist, with surgery described as a possible next step. Braxton Roxby was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento as the corresponding move.

San Francisco lost 4-2 to Minnesota, with Walker Jenkins' go-ahead single in the seventh proving decisive in a season with little left to play for.

With the season lost, the final homestand is an audition for 2027 pieces -- Davidson's poised debut gives the front office real data on a potential everyday outfielder. Davidson started RF, batted 3rd -- first Giant to bat 3rd in MLB debut since Dan Gladden (1983), 6th in 75 years. Singled on 9th pitch of first AB, stole 2nd, scored -- first Giant since Johnny Vergez with hit/steal/run in debut. Hit .293/.899 OPS across AA/AAA this season (29 HR in 125 games); promotion partly due to Rule 5 eligibility. Same day Eldridge (concussion) and Lee (groin) went to IL.

Tidwell was building a case for a 2027 rotation spot before grabbing his arm; extends a brutal run of young-pitcher injuries. Left after 3.1 IP one-run ball, grabbed arm on a sweeper; replaced by Tristan Beck. Third starter in a month hurt: Whisenhunt (torn UCL, TJ surgery Aug 24), Houser (forearm strain Aug 25). Trevor McDonald also had TJ surgery after July 20 elbow injury.

Gilbert's breakout continues; win kept SF's loss total below 2017 franchise-worst mark. Gilbert 3 hits incl 11th HR. Win = SF's 65th, guaranteeing finish short of 98-loss 2017 mark. Beck/Hentges/Foley covered for injured Tidwell; Trent Harris 2nd save. Attendance 27,466.

Crystallizes rebuild math -- deep outfield means someone gets squeezed out next year; Mayer's return signals the club's 2027 second-base answer. Mayer (acquired from Boston for Erik Miller Aug 3) hadn't had live AB since Aug 18, went 0-for-4 4K in debut as DH. Vitello: plan is more DH games before offseason; org views him as strong 2B option for 2027. Giants used franchise-record 68 players, nearing 70. Crowded OF mix: Gilbert, Cox, Hill, Bericoto, McCray, Bandura, Davidson; Ramos traded, Bader/Lee on IL.