More than likely, however, Blach -- ranked as the Giants' No. 23 prospect by MLB Pipeline -- will receive an opportunity to build upon the pair of scoreless, three-inning relief outings he recorded Sept. 5 and last Wednesday.
Improving his changeup to complement his low-90s fastball turned Blach, 25, into a legitimate candidate to compete for a spot in next year's starting rotation.
"He can throw it on any count," said manager Jose Alguacil of Triple-A Sacramento, where Blach finished 14-7 with a 3.43 ERA this year. "He has confidence in that pitch."
In selecting Blach, Bochy reasoned that two other options, right-handers Matt Cain and Jake Peavy, lack the durability Blach has maintained.