Blach continued his strong spring with 2.2 innings of shutout ball and two strikeouts in Monday's win over the Indians.
Blach lowered his Cactus League ERA to 1.35 over 6.2 innings, putting himself in the conversation for the Giants fifth starter job. He is outperforming veteran frontrunner Matt Cain, but it is early and the latter will likely be given first crack regardless of their final spring training ERAs. Manager Bruce Bochy may have tipped his hand when he had Cain start the game, and then brought Blach out of the bullpen in what should be considered a long-relief situation. After the game, Bochy even said that "[long relief] could be his role" when speaking about the usage of his young southpaw in Monday's game. Things could change, but Blach looks to be the underdog in the race for the fifth starter spot.