A gut-punch, extra-inning loss to the rival Dodgers left a sour taste in the Giants’ mouth on Sunday, but they’re determined to rinse it off and use the All-Star break to gear up for what promises to be an interesting second half.
At 52-45, the Giants are a half-game out of the third and final National League Wild Card spot and six games out of first place in the NL West, which should give them a chance to play meaningful games deep into the season.
“I think we’re in a really good spot,” All-Star left-hander Robbie Ray said. “Going into the second half, I like where we’re at. Obviously, [Sunday’s] game was tough, but we’re playing really good baseball, and we’re looking forward to getting to the second half.”
One second half goal for the Giants: Return to the playoffs
The Giants haven’t been to the postseason since 2021, but they should have a chance to end that drought if they can continue to build on their solid first half. Their pitching staff -- led by All-Stars Logan Webb, Randy Rodríguez and Ray -- is among the best in baseball, but they’ll need to find more consistency on the offensive end to ensure that they can solidify themselves as contenders down the stretch.
Likely Trade Deadline strategy: Stay active
The Giants jumped the market by acquiring three-time All-Star Rafael Devers in a blockbuster trade with the Red Sox on June 15, but they still have some other needs they could try to address leading up to the Trade Deadline. A lefty reliever could be at the top of their list now that Erik Miller is expected to miss several weeks with a left elbow sprain, but they could also use more rotation depth and another bat, such as another right-handed-hitting outfielder who could provide better platoon protection for veteran Mike Yastrzemski.
Key player: DH Rafael Devers
Devers has been playing through a groin issue and lower back inflammation since coming over from the Red Sox, which has hampered his production at the plate, but the Giants are hoping he’ll be able to use the All-Star break to get healthy and return to his slugging ways in the second half. Devers has been limited to DH duties thus far, but the Giants expect him to make his first-base debut once he gets past his physical ailments.
Prospect to watch: LHP Carson Whisenhunt (Giants’ No. 2 prospect)
No. 1 prospect Bryce Eldridge’s chances of reaching the Majors this year took a hit when he landed on the injured list with a right hamstring strain last month, but the Giants could still get their first look at Whisenhunt, who appears well-positioned to plug any holes that may arise in the starting rotation in the second half. The 24-year-old earned his second career Futures Game selection after going 8-5 with a 4.50 ERA in 17 starts for Triple-A Sacramento this year.
The Giants will kick off the second half with a six-game road trip through Toronto and Atlanta, which begins on Friday night at Rogers Centre. Here’s a quick look at how their schedule lines up the rest of the way:
Games remaining: 65 (Home, 33; Away, 32)
Remaining strength of schedule: .502, 12th in MLB, sixth in the NL, second in the NL West, according to FanGraphs
Key series
- Aug. 1-3: Three-game series against the Mets at Citi Field, giving the Giants a chance to face off against another playoff contender and potentially debut any additions they make before the July 31 Trade Deadline.
- Aug. 18-24: Six-game road trip through San Diego and Milwaukee. The Padres and Brewers are currently ahead of the Giants in the Wild Card standings, so these two clashes could end up having major playoff implications down the line.
- Sept. 15-21: Six-game road trip through Arizona and Los Angeles. The Giants will face NL West opponents in 19 of their final 25 games in September, so they could have a prime opportunity to make up some ground if the division is still up for grabs at that point.