Giants demote Littell after heated mound exchange with Kapler

The San Francisco Giants optioned right-hander Zack Littell to Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday, the team announced.

Littell's demotion follows Monday's tense exchange with manager Gabe Kapler on the mound before the two disappeared into the team's dugout tunnel.

The incident happened after Littell struggled against the Atlanta Braves, allowing three hits and two earned runs in 2/3 of an inning during a 3-2 win for the Giants.

"Zack wanted to stay in that game, obviously. He's a competitor and wanted to finish that inning," Kapler said. "There's obviously a way to do that. Zack knows that. We discussed it, and he knows that. When I come out to get the ball, he just needs to put the ball in my hand, and we'll talk about anything later."

Kapler added on Monday that he and Littell handled the issue and wouldn't discuss it further.

Littell, who is having a down year compared to 2021, apologized for what he did, according to The Athletic's Andrew Baggarly.

The Giants recalled left-hander Thomas Szapucki in a corresponding move.