Locked On Giants – Daily Podcast On The San Francisco Giants

Another day, another dramatic come-from-behind win for the San Francisco Giants. For the second straight game, the Giants fell behind the Rockies early, only to have the bullpen keep them in the game and the offense stage a dramatic comeback. A J.D. Davis triple and Michael Conforto homer brought the SF Giants closer, and then a three-run rally in the ninth, with Brandon Crawford, LaMonte Wade Jr., and Joc Pederson driving in runs, giving them a lead they would hold onto thanks to another dominant outing by star closer Camilo Doval.

The series as a whole is discussed with Locked On Rockies host Paul Holden. What makes the San Francisco Giants consistently better than the Rockies? Do the Giants really care about winning the division, or is a wild card spot an acceptable goal? What were the main takeaways from the SF Giants' perspective in the series? What's in store for the Giants for the rest of the season, and at the upcoming trade deadline? All that and more on this crossover edition of Locked On Giants.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

BetterHelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist who can take you on that journey of self-discovery from wherever you are. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonmlb today to get 10% off your first month.

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Platoon deniers look away. The San Francisco Giants beat the Rockies in dramatic comeback fashion thanks in large part to their platoon system and ability to get favorable matchups in key situations. In the seventh inning, after Michael Conforto walked and Mitch Haniger singled, the Rockies had a choice to make. Let a righty face Mike Yastrzemski and Blake Sabol, or go to a lefty and force the SF Giants to make countermoves. They went to a lefty, and Austin Slater and Wilmer Flores came through with huge hits as pinch hitters, fueling the Giants' 5-4 comeback win.

Another key factor in the win was the San Francisco Giants' bullpen. Over the last 30 days, no bullpen has a better ERA than the Giants' bullpen. Pretty much everyone in the 'pen, including players who were heavily criticized for their early season struggles (such as Sean Manaea and Taylor Rogers) has been outstanding over the last month. The Giants' bullpen was key in the win last night, tossing 3.2 scoreless innings after Logan Webb allowed four runs in 5.1 innings.

Carson Whisenhunt, who was drafted less than 11 months ago, made his Double-A debut last night and continued to dominate. He's made a meteoric rise through the SF Giants' system and his first start in Richmond was more of the same. Luis Matos, another extremely intriguing prospect who's the youngest player in Triple-A, homered last night to continue to make his case that he belongs in the majors—soon.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

BetterHelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist who can take you on that journey of self-discovery from wherever you are. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonmlb today to get 10% off your first month.

eBay Motors

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Gametime

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FanDuel

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The San Francisco Giants' full-strength position player group is one of the best in major league baseball. By FanGraphs WAR, they're seventh-best in all of baseball, and it's easy to see why. LaMonte Wade Jr., Thairo Estrada, and J.D. Davis are legitimately having All-Star caliber seasons. Then you add in established producers like Joc Pederson, Michael Conforto, and Mitch Haniger, and mix in some youth with the likes of Patrick Bailey and Casey Schmitt, and it's easy to understand that this is a deep and dangerous lineup when at full strength, as we saw last night.

But the SF Giants really should've scored more runs. The Giants' strikeout issues are examined, as are their numbers with runners in "scoring position." A breakdown on why statistics with "runners in scoring position" is really not that important is also given. But also: the Giants have done better in those situations than they've done when runners aren't on second and/or third.

Lastly, the SF Giants' pitching is discussed. Once again they won a bullpen game started by John Brebbia. Sean Manaea took down the bulk of the innings, and he pitched better than his final line would indicate. Over his last four appearances, all out of the bullpen, he's struck out a third of the batters he's faced and has a walk rate of just 7%. His ERA and FIP are sparkling over those last four outings, so this bullpen game with Manaea picking up bulk innings thing is working out well for the Giants.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

BetterHelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist who can take you on that journey of self-discovery from wherever you are. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonmlb today to get 10% off your first month.

eBay Motors

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Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The San Francisco Giants committed $43.5 million to Mitch Haniger in the offseason, expecting him to be the same player he's consistently been whenever he's been healthy enough to be on the field. For the first month or so of the season, the Giants were without Haniger, who injured his oblique (and later his back) as the season got going. But Haniger has been healthy for over a month now, and the SF Giants are still waiting for him to be a consistent performer offensively. What's behind Haniger's struggles, and will he break out of it?

Blake Sabol has been a success story for the Giants so far this season. Taken by the Reds in the Rule 5 draft, the SF Giants immediately traded for Sabol, who's played catcher, outfield, and DH for the Giants this year. But really, Sabol's greatest strength so far has been hit bat—particularly against right-handed pitching. Will he stick on the roster all season if he doesn't really have a defensive home? And what's his future with the San Francisco Giants beyond 2023 if they're able to keep him all year and shed his Rule 5 status?

What's behind SF Giants prospect Luis Matos' major turnaround from last year to this year? In 2021, Matos was so impressive as a 19-year-old in Low-A that he was widely considered a Top 50 prospect. His 2022 season in High-A, however, was massively disappointing that he fell off virtually all top prospect lists. This year, the biggest improvement has been plate discipline. He nearly doubled his walk rate from 2022 in Double-A, and earned a promotion to Triple-A, where he continues to tear it up. Matos has put himself on the doorstep of the major leagues where he's a phone call away from a spot in the Giants' outfield.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

BetterHelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist who can take you on that journey of self-discovery from wherever you are. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonmlb today to get 10% off your first month.

eBay Motors

For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The San Francisco Giants entered this homestand riding high. They'd just had a 5-2 road trip following a 5-1 homestand. In game one of this homestand, the Giants pounded the Pirates 14-4. The SF Giants had a golden opportunity to blow past the .500 mark and perhaps never look back. But instead, the Giants went 1-4 in their remaining games at home. Rookies Casey Schmitt and Patrick Bailey cooled off at the plate, with Schmitt in particular establishing himself as way too much of a free swinger. But manager Gabe Kapler hasn't lost faith in either, and sees brighter days ahead.

Thankfully for the Giants, help is on the way. Joc Pederson has missed nearly a month with a bone bruise in his hand. Thairo Estrada has been on the shelf for a week or two. Michael Conforto hasn't been able to start for a few games due to a heel bruise. All three of those players, and possibly Joey Bart as well, could be back in action as the SF Giants begin a three-game series in Denver on Tuesday. At full strength, the SF Giants' lineup should be able to compete with anyone.

Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi joined MLB Network Radio the other day and indicated that the SF Giants intend to be "aggressive" by this year's deadline in order to ensure that the Giants make the playoffs. There's high motivation within the front office to get to October, and the clubhouse believes it belongs as well. Fans should be happy about Zaidi's comments, as they're pining for a winner and Zaidi has a really good track record with his trades.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

BetterHelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist who can take you on that journey of self-discovery from wherever you are. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonmlb today to get 10% off your first month.

eBay Motors

For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The San Francisco Giants got a huge boost when Casey Schmitt and Patrick Bailey were promoted to the majors and made an immediate impact. Is SF Giants outfield prospect Luis Matos next in line? Matos is tearing it up in Triple-A, but it's hard to see how he would find consistent playing time in the Giants' major league outfield considering the fact that the SF Giants have Michael Conforto, Mitch Haniger, Mike Yastrzemski, and Austin Slater locked into roles. Carson Whisenhunt and Reggie Crawford are also discussed in this segment.

What has been the influence of new Giants GM Pete Putila? Is he behind the Minor League success and aggressive promotions that we didn't see for years under Farhan Zaidi and Scott Harris? Not necessarily. A lot of this has been a function of the fact that players the Giants believe in have performed well and earned promotions. A lot of those players simply weren't ready in previous years, but are more ready now. But Putila likely has had some significant impact on the process.

Some San Francisco Giants rapid fire questions are also answered: Will Gabe Kapler ever get rid of the platoon system? If you had to buy a jersey, whose jersey would you get? Do the Giants have a legit first baseman of the future in the system? Have we seen enough from Brett Wisely? Assuming he stays healthy and continues to hit well, should the Giants consider re-signing Conforto? Who are the three likeliest Giants All-Stars on the roster? What’s the expected record at the end of the year with the Giants' hot May? Do you envision the Giants being buyers or sellers in the deadline?

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

eBay Motors

For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The San Francisco Giants could soon be looking at a scenario in which they have too many starting pitchers and for too few spots. With Logan Webb, Alex Cobb, Anthony DeSclafani set in stone, and Alex Wood, Sean Manaea, Ross Stripling, and Jakob Junis also in the mix, will the SF Giants need to trade a starter if Kyle Harrison (or someone else, like perhaps Keaton Winn) comes up and establishes himself? Not to mention Tristan Beck, who's done a nice job for the Giants in his rookie season but was recently demoted to the Minors.

Carson Whisenhunt is another starting pitchers SF Giants fans have their eyes on. Whienhunt was the San Francisco Giants' second-round draft pick in 2022, and he's had a remarkable beginning to his 2023 professional campaign. He started out in Low-A San Jose, where he dominated. Whisenhunt earned a quick promotion to High-A, where he's continued to dominate. It's not out of the question that he could quickly be promoted to Double-A Richmond, and that might put him on a potential fast track to the major leagues.

If Whisenhunt is promoted to Double-A, he'd join Marco Luciano, who's there for the first time this season. Coming off a back injury and being at a new level at a young age, Luciano initially struggles for the Flying Squirrels, but he's turned things around in the last couple of weeks. His strikeout rate is under control, he's hitting for power, and he's commanding the strike zone. If all goes right, Luciano could be an option for the San Francisco Giants late in 2023, otherwise the likely timeline would be the first half of 2024.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

eBay Motors

For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Just like the last time they lost a series—which was a while ago—the San Francisco Giants won the first game of the series but then dropped the remaining ones. Game 2 was "the one that got away" for the SF Giants, who had tons of baserunners, via both hits and especially walks, and they could only cash in one run. The Giants held the Pirates to just two runs, so all it would've taken was one big hit. Game 3 was always going to be tough with breakout star Mitch Keller on the mound for the Pirates.

Giants outfielder Michael Conforto had an injury scare, which is exactly what the San Francisco Giants don't need as they already have key contributors on the injured list. Thankfully, Conforto's MRI came back clean and he is just day-to-day. Tomorrow is a well-timed off day in that case. Joc Pederson, Thairo Estrada, and Joey Bart are also out right now, but all seem relatively close to returning.

Alex Wood pitched a clunker today for the SF Giants vs. a Pirates team he really must do better against. With Wood struggling in the rotation, Sean Manaea in the bullpen (but pitching well lately), and Ross Stripling on the IL, is it time to consider Minor League options such as Kyle Harrison and Keaton Winn? Those players and the likelihood of a callup are discussed.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

eBay Motors

For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Suddenly, the San Francisco Giants have become an exciting team. Many described last year's SF Giants—and even the 107-win 2021 Giants—as "boring." These 2023 Giants are not boring, and that's largely due to the emergence of young talent like Casey Schmitt and Patrick Bailey, who were a big part of the Giants' second offensive eruption in their last four games. Five Giants hitters had three hits as the SF Giants won 14-4.

Austin Slater was activated from the IL, and there was some Twitter drama about it. A local radio personality said that he looked forward to not seeing Slater on the team anymore, and tons of people pounced. Indeed, Slater has been one of the very best hitters in baseball against left-handed pitching over an extended period of time, and even Clayton Kershaw—just the other day—named Slater among the five toughest hitters he's faced. He had three hits including a home run in yesterday's return.

The Giants have a roster crunch. A serious roster crunch. Reliever Luke Jackson is about to be activated, and that will require not only a 26-man corresponding move but also a corresponding 40-man move (likely someone being DFA'd). The SF Giants also have Thairo Estrada, Joc Pederson, and Joey Bart getting relatively close to returns and it's especially unclear how Bart will fit assuming Bailey and Blake Sabol have secured roles.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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A few short weeks ago, it was hard to imagine the San Francisco Giants surging above .500 and into playoff position, but that's exactly what happened. The Giants went 5-1 on their most recent homestand, and they followed it up by going 5-2 on a road trip vs. two first-place teams. The SF Giants' playoff odds, according to FanGraphs, are over 50% for the first time all year.

Logan Webb continued his return to his status as an ace with another brilliant performance in Milwaukee. Early in the season, Webb was allowing an uncharacteristic number of home runs, and the league had a high BABIP against him. Sure enough, mean regression happened for Webb and now his numbers look like that of an ace once again. Mitch Haniger also started showing signs of life in the Milwaukee series.

Thairo Estrada, arguably the San Francisco Giants' best player so far this season, landed on the injured list with a left wrist sprain. David Villar was recalled. Austin Slater was activated ahead of today's game, and Tristan Beck was somewhat surprisingly optioned. The seemingly clear counter move for Slater would be Bryce Johnson, which suggests Slater may not be ready to play the field. Meanwhile, Joc Pederson and Joey Bart are progressing from their injuries.

Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:

🎧 Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U

🎧 Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN

🎧 Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr

🎧 Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg

🎧 Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD

The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.

Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

#SFGiants #FirstListen

eBay Motors

For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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