Down on the Farm: 5/3/2026

AAA:  Salt Lake City Bees outscored the Sacramento River Cats 8-7.

Jake Holton 1B- 1 for 2, HR(2), 2 BB.  BA= .231.

Turner Hill CF- 2 for 3, BB, 2 SB(3).  BA= .326.

Carson Whisenhunt LHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.65.

Blade Tidwell RHP- 1.1 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 11.25.

Big things brewing here.  Jesus Rodriguez and Bryce Eldridge were not in the lineup and are reportedly headed to San Francisco to join the Giants tomorrow evening against the Padres, a game in which Trevor McDonald is listed as the starting pitcher.  This could be very interesting or very disappointing.  If they are bringing Eldridge and Rodriguez up, it has to be for them to play and play every day.  Eldridge, in particular, can only play 1B or DH which is where Rafael Devers and Casey Schmitt play.  Devers is on a $200+ M contract and Schmitt has been the best hitter on the team.  Something has to give.  It also makes no sense to bring up Rodriguez for his bat then not play him so is he going to be the starting catcher?  Anything less and it will be disappointing to say the least.  Stay tuned for corresponding moves tomorrow.  

AA:  Altoona Curve beat the Richmond Flying Squirrels 7-2.

Jonah Cox RF- 2 for 4, SB(16).  BA= .423.

Greg Farone LHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 6.75.

Jack Choate LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.88.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds smacked the Spokane Indians 8-1.

Trevor Cohen RF- 2 for 5, 2B, SB(12).  BA= .219.

Gavin Kilen SS- 3 for 5.  BA= .271.

Dakota Jordan CF- 2 for 5, HR(6).  BA= .303.

Carlos Gutierrez DH- 1 for 3, SF, SB(6).  BA= .231.

Zander Darby 2B- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .294.

Jacob Bresnahan LHP- 4.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 2.25.

Ryan Vanderhei RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.51.

Perhaps the biggest story in Eugene is Dakota Jordan sustaining a performance level commensurate with his tools.  

A:  San Jose Giants topped the Visalia Rawhide 7-6.

Jhonny Level SS- 0 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .333.

Cam Maldonado CF- 0 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .321.

Damian Bravo LF- 2 for 5, 2 HR(5).  BA= .272.

Fernando Gonzalez C- 1 for 3, 2B, HBP.  BA= .296.

Daniel Rogers DH- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB.  BA= .250.

Dylan Carter RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.50.  

ACL:  The ACL was idle today.

Game Wrap 5/3/2026: Rays 2 Giants 1(10 innings)

You've heard the one about how Einstein said the def......? Oh, nevermind!  For some reason Tony Vitello thought it was a good idea to bring Ryan Walker into a 1-0 game in the 8'th inning rather than the 9'th.  Yes, it still counts as a Blown Save.  The Giants predictably went on to lose in extra-innings for both a series and road trip sweep.  It doesn't get more rock bottom than this.  Key Lines:

Rafael Devers 1B- 1 for 3, 2B, BB, R.  BA= .214.  I give Devers credit for hustling out a double on a squibber down the 3B line.  Beyond that, he's not showing much sign of breaking out of it.  I thought Hunter Pence made a good point yesterday about Devers exaggerate open stand which he squares up as the pitch is delivered.  It's a timing mechanism and he has to get it down in time.  He probably isn't and that's why he's late on fastballs down the middle.  Not sure those longer timing mechanisms work in an era when soft-tossers are throwing 92-93 MPH.  

Casey Schmitt DH- 2 for 4, RBI.  BA= .308.  Schmitt continues to be the Giants most consistent hitter on the season.  His single drove in Devers to give Tyler Mahle a 1-0 lead in the first inning.  They never added to that be Mahle and the bullpen almost made it stand up.

Tyler Mahle RHP- 5.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 5.00.  As one of our commenters pointed out, Mahle is in a pattern of alternating good starts.  This was a good turn.  

Ryan Walker RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 4.61.  I looked up in the 8'th inning and was shocked and dismayed to find Walker in the game.  I texted my friend and asked why he was out there in the 8'th inning of a 1-0 game.  Answer:  "He's got a growth mindset and is better then Borucki."  LOL!

The Giants missed out on an opportunity for a happy flight home.  They start a series at home against the Padres tomorrow evening with Trevor McDonald RHP facing Randy Vasquez RHP who comes in with a 2.94 ERA.

Down on the Farm: 4/2/2026

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats tamed the Salt Lake City Bees 7-4.

Jesus Rodriguez LF- 2 for 6, 2B.  BA= .330. 

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 2 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .333.

Victor Bericoto RF- 2 for 5.  BA= .311.

Grant McCray CF- 1 for 3, HR(3), 2 BB, SB(4).  BA= .239.

Jake Holton DH- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .240.

Logan Porter C- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .240.

Osleivis Basabe SS- 1 for 5, HR(2).  BA= .225.

Joel Peguero RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.82.

Michael Fulmer RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's, Save(3).  ERA= 2.92.

Grant McCray's BA reached a nadir of .163 on April 17. Since then he is 14 for 39(.359).  

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Altoona Curve 7-2.

Scott Bandura LF- 2 for 5.  BA= .330.

Parks Harber DH- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .333.

Bo Davidson CF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .282.

Charlie Szykowny 1B- 2 for 4, 2B, BB, SB(2).  BA= .283.

Diego Velasquez 2B- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .263.

Aeverson Arteaga 3B- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(2).  BA= .294. 

Cesar Perdomo LHP- 4.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 5 K's, 5/2 GO/AO.  ERA= 2.53.

Logan Martin RHP- 4.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K's, 5/1 GO/AO.  ERA= 3.92.

Once upon a time Aeverson Arteaga looked like he might be the Giants shortstop of the future.  Then he underwent surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome after the 2023 season and missed almost all of 2024 then struggled in 2025.  He seems to be finally fully healthy and off to a nice start to this season.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds buried the Spokane Indians 11-0(7 innings, Game 1 of Doubleheader).

Trevor Cohen RF- 1 for 3, BB, SF, SB(11).  BA= .216.

Gavin Kilen SS- 2 for 4.  BA= .263.

Dakota Jordan CF- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(5).  BA= .293.

Carlos Gutierrez LF- 1 for 1, 3 BB.  BA= .227.

Jakob Christian DH- 2 for 2, 2B, BB, HBP.  BA= .600.

Walker Martin 3B- 2 for 4.  BA= .254.

Ty Hanchey C- 2 for 3, HBP.  BA= .257.

Yunior Marte RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 1.50.

Esmerlin Vinicio LHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds topped the Spokane Indians 4-3(7 innings, Game 2 of Doubleheader).

Jakob Christian 1B- 3 for 3, 2B.  BA= .750.

Onil Perez C- 3 for 3.  BA= .200.

Dakota Jordan CF- 1 for 2, 2B, BB.  BA= .298.

Hunter Dryden RHP- 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K's, 5/1 GO/AO.  ERA= 2.41.

Ben Peterson RHP- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 1.54.

A:  Visalia Rawhide edged out the San Jose Giants 2-1.

Junior Barajas C- 2 for 5.  BA= .317.

Andy Polanco CF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB, SB(10).  BA= .329.

Ricardo Estrada LHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 1 K.  BA= 9.00.

Ben Bybee RHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, 5/2 GO/AO.  ERA= 0.00.

Ben Bybee is listed on several sites at 5' 2", 234 lbs.  MLB Draft Tracker lists him at 6' 6", 230 lbs which I am pretty sure is more accurate.  He was the Giants 8'th round draft pick in 2025.

ACL:  D'Backs outscored the Giants 10-9.

Josuar Gonzalez SS- 0 for 1, BB.  BA= .000.

Luis Hernandez 3B/SS- 1 for 4, HR(1), SF.  BA= .250.

Anthony Marquez 2B- 2 for 5, 2B, 3B.  BA= .400.

Yohendry Sanchez DH- 3 for 4, 2B.  BA= .750.

Luis Frias CF- 2 for 4.  BA= .500.

Josuar Gonzalez started the game at SS but came out for a defensive switch in the 5'th inning.  Hopefully not a significant injury.  Prized rookie Luis Hernandez started the game at 3B but moved over to SS after Gonzalez' departure.  Hernandez had quite a first pro game as he hit a grand slam home run in the 9'th inning to temporarily tie the game. He drove in a total of 5 runs in the game.

Game Wrap 5/2/2026: Rays 5 Giants 1

In a microcosm of the Giants season so far, Heliot Ramos LF probably hit a home run in the second inning that probably hit a catwalk but was ruled a flyout on instant replay.  You could all but see the air going out of the Giants sails at that point.  Landen Roupp RHP finally ran out of magic in the 5'th inning, allowing 3 runs to make it 4-0 Rays and that was for all practical purposes the end of the ballgame.  Whatthe.....???

Down on the Farm: 5/1/2026

AAA:  Salt Lake City Bees swarmed over the Sacramento River Cats 18-8.

Nate Furman 2B- 2 for 5, BB.  BA= .301.

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 2 for 3, 3 BB.  BA= .324.

Grant McCray RF- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .236.

Thomas Gavello LF- 2 for 5.  BA= .190.

Sam Hentges LHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, GO/AO= 3/0.  ERA= 2.70.

Wilkin Ramos 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.16.

Cats had just one XBH out of 14 hits.  Bryce Eldridge is sure acting like he wants to get called up and soon.  Sam Hentges pitched two days in a row which is usually the final box to be checked for relievers on rehab assignments.  Look for him to be activated on Monday at the start of the Giants next homestand.  Ryan Borucki is the obvious guy to go.  

AA:  Altoona Curve scored 5 runs in the 6'th inning to overtake the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-4(7 innings, game 1 of doubleheader).

Bo Davidson CF- 3 for 4, SB(1).  BA= .262.

Zach Morgan DH- 2 for 4, SB(1).  BA= .350.

Drew Cavanaugh C- 1 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .347.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 1 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .256.

Jonah Cox RF- 3 for 3, 2 3B.  BA= .423.

Trystan Vrieling RHP- 5.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.91.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels crushed the Altoona Curve 10-0(7 innings, game 2 of doubleheader).

Charlie Szykowny 1B- 2 for 4.  BA= .273.  

Jack Payton LF/RF- 2 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .167.

Adrian Sugastey C- 1 for 3, 2B.  BA= .239.

Darien Smith RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.08.

Will Bednar RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.23.

A+:  Spokane Indians defeated the Eugene Emeralds 7-1.

Jakob Christian 1B- 1 for 3, 2B.  BA= .333.

Liam Simon RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 9.00.

A:  Visalia Rawhide beat the San Jose Giants 3-1.

Junior Barajas C- 2 for 4.  BA= .312.

Braydon Risley LHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 3.12.

Ubert Mejias RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.79.

Game Wrap 5/1/2026: Rays 3 Giants 0

It was a familar scene in the Tampa Bay area as Robbie Ray LHP made a Quality Start but the Giants lineup was shut out for the 7'th time in 32 games this season.  In case you wonder if that's a lot of shut outs, they are on a pace to set some sort of all time season record for being on the receiving end of shut outs.  How's that?  Shane McClanahan LHP scattered 6 hits and was helped by two GIDP's and another coaching error at 3B by Hector Borg who this time erred on the side of aggressiveness and got Luis Arraez 2B thrown out trying to stretch his double.   The Giants once again drew no walks so 4 Rays pitchers faced just 3 batters over the minimum.    

As we enter the second month of the season, not only is there no end in sight to the hitting futility, the cracks are starting to show in the clubhouse.  A frustrated Robbie Ray said maybe there needs to be more of a sense of urgency.  Tony Vitello came to the defense of his hitters by saying there is urgency behind the scenes but Robbie Ray is not in those meetings, but he understands where Robbie is coming from.  Vitello used the old barbed wire analogy about how when you are caught in it, urgency can pull you in the wrong direction(I hadn't heard that one before but he does have a point).  

I'm like Tony Vitello in that I am running out of fixes to propose.  When half the lineup is routinely failing to register 4 PA's, it's hard to say a different batting order or replacing one or two players is going to make a significant difference.  One thing that seems clear to me is some of this is by design and the barbed wire analogy does fit.  The Giants are overcompensating for last years strikeouts by swinging at more pitches earlier in counts and the cost is fewer walks and less power.  

There is a reason why OPS became THE stat of the Moneyball Era. Yes, I know there are other, newer stats but for all practical purposes it's the best predictor of run production out there.  And yes, I know Oracle Park plays different than other parks but if you are going to try to win with a high contact approach, you must have great pitching, cannot make mistakes, must steal some bases and must successfully play some "small ball".  

Landen Roupp RHP tries to stop the 4-game losing streak today facing Griffin Jax RHP who comes in with a 6.35 ERA.

Down on the Farm: 4/30/2026

AAA:  Salt Lake City Bees stung the Sacramento River Cats 4-2.

Victor Bericoto LF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .306.

Sam Hentges LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.18.

Dylan Smith RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.61.

Joel Peguero RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 5.40.

Bullpen game.  Maybe one of these three relievers can help the MLB club?

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels ran away from the Altoona Curve in extra innings 18-6(11 innings).

Scott Bandura LF- 3 for 4, HR(3), 3 BB.  BA= .348.

Parks Harber 3B- 3 for 6, 2B, BB.  BA= .360.

Bo Davidson CF- 3 for 6, HR(5), BB.  BA= .230.

Diego Velasquez 2B- 2 for 5, BB.  BA= .260.

Jonah Cox RF- 1 for 5, Sac, 2 SB(15).  BA= .397.

Jack Choate LHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.03.

Game was tide 5-5 after 9 innings.  The two teams traded runs in the 10'th then the Squirrels scored 12 in the top of the 11'th including Bo Davidson's 3-run home run.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds defeated the Spokane Indians 7-5.

Trevor Cohen CF- 1 for 3, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .220.

Gavin Kilen SS- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .264.

Dakota Jordan DH- 0 for 2, 3 BB.  BA= .298.

Carlos Gutierrez LF- 2 for 5, 2B, 3B.  BA= .229.

Lisbel Diaz RF- 1 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .233.

Niko Mazza RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's, 6/2 GO/AO.  ERA= 3.44.

A:  San Jose Giants outscored the Visalia Rawhide 13-12.

Jhonny Level SS- 3 for 6.  BA= .355.

Cam Maldonado CF- 1 for 4, 2 BB.  BA= .338.

Isaiah Barkett 2B- 3 for 6, HR(2).  BA= .383.

Broedy Poppell DH- 2 for 4, 2 BB.  BA= .235.

Dario Reynoso 3B- 1 for 4, HR(1), BB.  BA= .276.

Daniel Rogers C- 1 for 3, HR(1), BB, HBP.  BA= .238.

Jose Astudillo RF- 3 for 5.  BA= .556.

Argenis Cayama RHP- 5.2 IP, 2 H, 0 BB, 8 K's, 6/1 GO/AO.  ERA= 3.09.

Garrett Langrell RHP- 2.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 5 K's, 3/0 GO/AO, Save(4).  ERA= 2.70.  

I want to see Argenis Cayama pitch.  Most of the production came from the bottom of the lineup in this game.