The San Francisco Giants' pitching rotation has been thrown into further uncertainty as right-hander Tristan Beck revealed that he will undergo vascular surgery to address an aneurysm in his upper right arm. The procedure is scheduled to take place on Monday at Stanford, and a timetable for Beck's return will only be determined after the surgery.

Beck's arm discomfort initially raised concerns among the Giants' coaching staff, leading to the diagnosis of an aneurysm. With surgical intervention now deemed necessary, the team must navigate the absence of another key pitcher in their rotation.

The Giants' pitching staff already faced challenges before Beck's condition emerged. Right-hander Alex Cobb is currently recovering from hip surgery and will begin the season on the injured list. Additionally, trade acquisition Robbie Ray is on the mend from UCL/flexor tendon surgery and is not expected to return until the All-Star break at the earliest.

The rotation was originally comprised of Logan Webb and a group of relatively inexperienced pitchers, including Beck. Youngsters such as Kyle Harrison, Keaton Winn, and Beck were anticipated to contribute, despite their limited major league experience. However, with uncertainties and injuries surrounding these pitchers, the Giants' rotation depth now becomes a prominent concern for a team looking to contend.

Amidst the pitching challenges, the Giants may explore external options to bolster their rotation. Free agents Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery have reportedly drawn interest from the team. However, no deal has materialized as of yet. Alternatively, the Giants could target more affordable options like Michael Lorenzen, Eric Lauer, or Jake Odorizzi.

If the Giants decide to focus on internal solutions, several candidates could step up to secure a spot in the rotation. Sean Hjelle, Kai-Wei Teng, Daulton Jefferies, and Spencer Howard have all shown potential, but each comes with their own set of uncertainties. Hjelle struggled with high ERAs in Triple-A and the major leagues, while Teng is yet to make his MLB debut. Jefferies has faced multiple surgeries in recent years, and Howard has struggled to find consistency at the major league level.

With the latest setback involving Beck's surgery, the Giants face even more uncertainty in their pitching rotation. The team's decision on whether to pursue external additions or rely on internal candidates will significantly impact their chances of competing in the upcoming season. The Giants' front office will need to navigate the challenges and make crucial decisions to solidify their pitching staff in the face of mounting obstacles.