This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/giants as Giants Downplay Injury To Landen Roupp, Say Elbow Issue Is 'Pretty Minor'. The San Francisco Giants were dealt a tough blow.

SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants’ rotation took a hit when the team optioned Hayden Birdsong to Triple-A Sacramento following the worst start of his career. On Friday, that unit took another blow.

The righty has a 3.11 ERA in 20 starts and had become the team's most reliable starter after All-Stars Logan Webb and Robbie Ray.