Waites returned in 2021 after missing most of the season recovering from knee surgery for torn meniscus to pitch for the Arizona Complex League Giants and San Jose Giants.[1][6] In 2021 as a reliever he was a combined 2-0 with two saves and an 0.68 ERA, as in 13.1 innings he gave up one hit and struck out 31 batters.[7] After the season, he pitched in the Arizona Fall League.[8][9]
On September 12, 2022, the Giants selected Waites' contract and promoted him to the major leagues.[10]
Between the three minor league teams in 2022 he was 4-3 with a 1.94 ERA as in 41.2 innings he gave up 25 hits and had 76 strikeouts.[7] In his minor league career through his 2022 call-up, in 71.1 innings he had a 45.1% strikeout rate (averaging 16.9 strikeouts per 9 innings) and 2.78 ERA, with a 13.8% walk rate.[11]
In 2022 with the Giants he was 0-0 with a 3.18 ERA in seven relief appearances, in which he pitched 5.2 innings.[12]
2023
Waites was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento to begin the 2023 season.[13] On July 18, 2023, he was placed on the 60-day injured list with a right elbow sprain.[14] On September 13, Waites was ruled out for 12–to–15 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament.[15] The procedure ended his 2023 season, and ruled him out for the entirety of the 2024 season as well.[16] In 3 appearances for the Giants in 2023, he struggled to a 15.43 ERA with 2 strikeouts in 2+1⁄3 innings of work.[17] He was non-tendered and became a free agent on November 17.
On November 26, 2023, Waites re–signed with the Giants organization on a minor league contract.[18]
Pitching style
Waites relies primarily on a mid-90s fastball that has reached 100 mph, and an above-average slider.[19]
