Blogger's Note

Hey team!  I will be offline until Sunday evening.  Thanks everybody for reading and commenting and for your patience.  

DrB 

Down on the Farm: 5/30/2024

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Tacoma Rainiers 4-2:

Reggie Crawford LHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K.  ERA= 1.35.

Spencer Bivens RHP- 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.65.

AA:  Erie Seawolves mauled the Richmond Flying Squirrels 10-1:

Will Wilson SS- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .239.

Dylan Cumming RHP- 4 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 2.25.

Dylan Cumming shows some electricity in his AA debut.  Wilson's double was the only Squirrels hit of the game.

A+:  Hillsboro Hops blanked the Eugene Emeralds 4-0:

Andrew Kachel 1B/3B- 3 for 4.  BA= .267.

Alexander Suarez LF- 2 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .256.

Will Bednar RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Jack Choate LHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA- 2.20.

Hunter Dula RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.00.

A:  Fresno Grizzlies topped the San Jose Giants 4-2:

Justin Bench 2B- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .324.

Guillermo Williamson 1B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .250.

Cale Lansville RHP- 6 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 8/1.  ERA= 3.35.

Cale Lansville has a 10 inning scoreless streak over his last two starts.  He's allowed just 1 run in 15 IP over his last 3 starts.

ACL:  Rockies beat the Giants 5-1:

Christian Koss 3B- 1 for 3, HR(2).  BA= .278.

Trevor McDonald RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.52.

Michael Rodriguez RHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Down on the Farm: 5/29/2024

AAA:  Tacoma Rainiers buried the Sacramento River Cats 9-2:

Clay Helvey RHP- 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 3.33.

AA:  Erie Seawolves mauled the Richmond Flying Squirrels 8-3:

Will Wilson SS- 3 for 5.  BA= .237.

Luis Toribio 3B- 1 for 4. HR(3).  BA= .170.

Vaun Brown DH- 1 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .136.

Eric Silva RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.75.

A+:  Hillsboro Hops edged out the Eugene Emeralds 3-2:

Andrew Kachel DH- 2 for 4.  BA= .250.

Zach Morgan C- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(2).  BA= .229.

Hayden Wynja LHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 5.31.

A:  San Jose Giants outscored the Fresno Grizzlies 6-5:

Trent Harris RHP- 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.50.

ACL:  D'Backs defeated the Giants 4-2: 

Jose Ramos 3B/2B- 2 for 4, 3B.  BA= .260.

Derwin Laya 3B- 2 for 3.  BA= .372.

Mikell Manzano RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.70.

Keyner Martinez RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 2.45.

Game Wrap 5/29/2024: Phillies 6 Giants 1

This is going to be short:  The Giants righthanded leaning lineup struggled against a young LHP and the Giants young LHP struggled against one of the best lineups in MLB.  

Key Line:  Heliot Ramos LF- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .292.  Luis Matos has cooled off and Marco Luciano is lost on defense but Heliot Ramos continues to put together solid PA's and play within himself. 

Not much else to see here.

The Loss dropped the Giants to 6.5 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West but they remained in second place in the race for 3 Wild Card playoff spots by percentage points ahead of the Padres.

The Giants get a much-needed day off at home to regroup and the face the Yankees over the weekend with Jordan Hicks RHP taking the mound Friday night against TBD.

Down on the Farm: 5/28/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Tacoma Rainiers 5-3:

Casey Schmitt SS- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .293.

David Villar 3B- 1 for 3, HR(7), BB.  BA= .242.

Donovan Walton 2B- 1 for 2, HR(2), 2 BB.  BA= .282.

Mason Black RHP- 2.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K.  ERA= 1.53.

Raymond Burgos LHP- 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K.  ERA= 1.93.

Tanner Andrews RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 7.77.

Justin Garza RHP- 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.63.

Raymond Burgos is an interesting LHP who seems to be able to work multiple innings effectively.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels blanked the Erie Seawolves 5-0:

Will Wilson SS- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .224.

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 5, 3B.  BA= .229.

Victor Bericoto 1B- 1 for 3, HR(4), BB.  BA= .211.

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 6/1.  ERA= 1.96.

Birdsong seems to be rapidly running out of things to prove at AA.

A+:  Hillsboro Hops topped the Eugene Emeralds 4-1:

Zach Morgan 1B- 3 for 4, 2B.  BA= .219.

Nick Sinacola RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 2.68.

Matt Mikulski LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 5.23.

ACL:  Angels edged out the Giants 3-2(7 innings):

Christian Koss 2B- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .267.

Ryan Vanderhei RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 0.00.

Johan Rodriguez RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 6/1.  ERA= 7.83.

Game Wrap 5/28/2024: Giants 1 Phillies 0

 The Giants went up against Zach Wheeler and the Phillies with a bullpen game and a failed former Phillies prospect as the bulk ininngs guy.....and won a 1-0 shutout.....in extra innings!  As Vin Scully would say, "go figure!"  Key Lines:

The Giants managed just 4 hits in the game, all singles, two each by Thairo Estrada 2B and Matt Chapman 3B.  The winning run scored without the benefit of a hit.  Wilmer Flores PH/1B advanced the Designated Runner, Tyler Fitzgerald PH/SS to 3B on flyball out to CF(you only get credit for a sac fly if a run scores).  Luis Matos CF then drove in the winner with a Sac Fly to LF.

Erik Miller LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.21.  Still not sure exactly what the advantage to using an Opener followed by a bulk-inning guy vs just letting the bulk guy start but Miller seeems to be a go-to guy for the Opener role and he got it done tonight.

Taylor Rogers LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 2.91.  Gotta admit.  I am not a big Taylor Rogers fan but he was great tonight.  Maybe he's more suited for a 2-inning role earlier in the game?  

Spencer Howard RHP- 4 IP, 5 H 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 0.00.  A lot going on here:  1.  I have just one question:  How many of you all would have had Spencer Howard on your radar screen if you didn't read this blog.  Woo Hoo!  2.  Howard is a former Phillies 2'nd round draft pick who matched goose eggs with former Giants first round draft pick, Zach Wheeler RHP.  Howard had a hopping hard mid-90's FB and a sharp downward slider.  The Phillies have a great lineup and he did not flinch even with runners on base.  I think he earned himself another bulk-inning or starting appearance with this performance.

Tyler Rogers RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.12.  My heart sank when I saw Tyler Rogers come in.  Memories of Sunday's debacle were too fresh in my mind.  He was a different pitcher today and made Bryce Harper look bad.  

Sean Hjelle RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 2.95.  Great job by Hjelle, especially pitching around the Designated Runner without allowing a run in the 10'th.  

The Giants remain percentage points ahead of the Padres for the second Wild Card playoff spot, 5.5 games behind the Dodgers.

Kyle Harrison LHP goes for the sweep tomorrow afternoon against Cristopher Sanchez LHP.  

Churn Watch:  FZ was in Churn Heaven today.  Here's the breakdown:

LaMonte Wade Jr was placed on the 10 day IL with a grade 2 hammy strain.  He is projected to miss 1 month.  

Spencer Howard RHP and Trenton Brooks 1B/OF were selected from AAA Sacramento.  Tyler Fitzgerald was recalled from AAA Sacramento.  Ryan McKenna OF and Drew Pomeranz LHP were DFA'd.  As you might recall, McKenna won a game by stealing 2B as a PR against the Mets so he's a Forever Giant.  Drew Pomeranz was on the roster for what, 4 days?  He did not appear in any games.  I suppose FZ is hoping both players clear waivers and if not, Churn On!  

Down on the Farm: 5/27/2024

A:  Fresno Grizzlies defeated the San Jose Giants 3-1:

Cesar Quintas DH- 1 for 3, HR(3).  BA= .207.

Dylan Carmouche LHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.18.

Shane Rademacher RHP- 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.10. 

Cesar Quintas has a 4 game hit streak in which he is 7 for 14 with 2 doubles and 2 HR.  Good looking hitter but this is his 4'th season in the organization and first in full season ball.

ACL:  Giants pounded the Angels 10-4:

Jose Ortiz CF- 1 for 3, BB.  BA= .481.

Walker Martin SS- 2 for 3, 2 HR(2), BB.  BA= .267.

Christian Koss 3B- 1 for 3, HR(1), BB.  BA= .167.

Eliam Sandoval LF- 1 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .367.

Juan Perez C- 2 for 3.  BA= .292.

Ian Villars RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.09.

Big news here is the 2 HR's for Walker Martin. Hopefully a breakout game for him. It would be great to see him in the San Jose Giants boxscores before the end of the season.

Game Wrap 5/27/2027: Giants 8 Phillies 4

Blake Snell looked a little sharper than in previous starts but still struggled through 4 innings.  Fortunately the lineup brought their hitting shoes and the bullpen locked it down for 5 innings as the Giants take the series opener against the team with the best record in MLB.  Key Lines:  

Luis Matos CF- 2 for 5.  BA= .270.  Matos seems to be the leadoff hitter for the time being.  He takes good  AB's and should see good pitches to hit out of the leadoff spot.

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 1 for 3, 2B.  BA= .333.  LMWJ has been running on a sore hammy since The Stretch.  That appeared to catch up with him on the double as he walked off the field with the trainers after the play.  He'll get an MRI tomorrow but Bob Melvin said he assumes an IL stint is going to happen.  Very unfortunate as LMWJ has turned himself into possibly the Giants best and most consistent hitter and his D at 1B has improved a lot.  He won't be easy to replace.

Thairo Estrada 2B- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .238.  Seems like every time I look at a boxscore Thairo has multiple hits or a big hit.  Then I look at his recent splits and see a .167 BA over his last 7 games.  What?

Patrick Bailey C- 2 for 3, SF.  BA= .308.  Bailey stays solid.

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .223. YtY is another guy who seems to go good things almost every game and his BA is .267 over his last 7 games.  And the Giants have what, won 5 of those 7 games?  

Heliot Ramos LF- 2 for 4.  BA= .288.  Ramos continues to put together solid AB's and play strong D in LF.

Brett Wisely SS- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .450.  Can't blame Bob Melvin from riding the hot hand but Luciano needs to go down and play every day if Wisely is the starting SS now.

Blake Snell RHP- 4 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K's.  The curveball looked mostly sharper and the K's are encouraging but he threw 90 pitches in 4 innings not sure how many he threw in the 4'th but it seemed to last forever.

Randy Rodriguez RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 4/1.  ERA=1.76.  More electricity from RRod.  He hasn't quite settled into a role yet but he is a potential alternate Closer to back up Doval.  Definitely fits the profile better than Tyler Rogers.  

Erik Miller LHP, Ryan Walker RHP and Camilo Doval RHP worked a scoreless inning each.  Giants fans are grinding their teeth over him again being used in a non-save situation.

The Dodgers vs Mets game was rained out so the Giants gain 0.5 games on the NL West leaders and trail by 5 games.  The Giants are also  now sitting alone in the second Wild Card playoff position by percentage points over the Padres.  

It's Zach Wheeler RHP tomorrow against TBD.  Word on the street is Spencer Howard RHP. 

Down on the Farm: 5/26/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats mauled the El Paso Chihuahuas 9-4: 

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 1 for 5, 2B, HBP.  BA= .440.

Hunter Bishop CF- 2 for 5, 3B, BB.  BA= .341.

Casey Schmitt 3B- 1 for 4, BB, HBP.  BA= .288.

Trenton Brooks 1B- 4 for 5, BB.  BA= .308.

David Villar DH- 2 for 5.  BA= . 240.

Carson Whisenhunt LHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 7 K's, GO/AO= 6.2.  ERA= 6.02.

Reggie Crawford LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.69.

Wouldn't be shocked to see former #1 draft picks Bishop and Crawford playing in Oracle Park before the season is over.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels outscored the Bowie Baysox 8-7:

Grant McCray DH- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(6).  BA= .223.

Jimmy Glowenke 2B- 1 for 3, HR(2), HBP.  BA= .222.

Jairo Pomares RF- 3 for 4, 2B, SB(1).  BA= .189.

Ryan Murphy RHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 4/0.  ERA= 3.18.

Ben Madison RHP- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.91.

Travis Kiest RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.11.

A+:  Spokane Indians buried the Eugene Emeralds 7-2:

Justin Wishkoski 3B- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(3).  BA= .276.\

Julio Rodriguez RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.50.

Seth Corry LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 1.99.

Nick Morreale RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.57.

Seth Corry is on the comeback trail.

A:  San Jose Giants crushed the Lake Elsinore Storm 10-2:

Jonah Cox CF- 2 for 6.  BA= .351.

Charlie Szykowny 3B- 1 for 3, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .313.

Jean Carlos Sio 2B- 1 for 4, BB, SB(6).  BA= .215.

Cesar Quintas RF- 1 for 2, 3 BB.  BA= .204.

Guillermo Williamson 1B- 1 for 3, HR(5), 2 BB.  BA= .239.

Ty Hanchey C- 2 for 5, 3B.  BA= .242.

Will Bednar RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.60.

Ubert Mejias RHP- 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.57.

Tommy Kane LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 1.04.

Guillermo Willamson is a 3 true outcomes guy with a bad body.  Moneyball all the way!

Game Wrap 5/26/2024: Mets 4 Giants 3

 The Giants flipped the script and came from ahead to lose this one blowing a 3-1 lead in the 9'th inning and losing on a walkoff.  Key Lines:

Heliot Ramos LF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .274.  Heliot continues to put together good AB's and make hard contact.  The BA has slipped a bit but I'm cautiously optimistic he's turned a corner.  

Brett Wisely SS- 2 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .438.  So, is Brett Wisely the starting SS?  He started this game against a LHP and homered.  If that's the case, Luciano needs to go down and play every day and someone else needs to back up SS. Right now Wisely appears to be a more confident fielder and is hitting with authority against both RHP and LHP's.  

Logan Webb RHP- 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 2.74.  So do we call it getting "Webb'd" now?  Wow!  Just no support in the lineup or bullpen.  

Tyler Rogers RHP- 0 .1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 0 K, HBP.  ERA= 3.24.  Tyler Rogers is a pretty good setup man, situational reliever and can even relieve for multiple innings.  He's not a closer, never has been, never will be.  The groundballs are nice but just not enough K's and too much opportunity for bad BABIP luck.  Make no mistake though, this was not bad BABIP luck.  He was getting barrelled up.  I wondered along with everybody else why he stayed out there but I concluded there were too many unavailable pitchers and Melvin decided he had no choice but to sink or swim with Rogers.  He sank.  

With the Loss, the Giants remained 5.5 games behind the NL West leading Dodgers who lost their 5'th straight.  The Giants fell into a tie with the Padres for the final Wild Card playoff spot.

Blake Snell LHP returned from paternity leave today and is scheduled to start tomorrow's game against the Phillies and Taijuan Walker RHP in Oracle Park, but the baby did not arrive during the 3-day window so this start is not set in stone.

Churn Watch:

Nick Avila RHP was optioned back to AAA Sacramento to make room for Blake Snell to return from paternity leave.  Another reason Melvin was squeezed for 9'th inning options.

Down on the Farm: 5/25/2024

 AAA:  El Paso Chihuahuas chewed up the Sacramento River Cats 9-5:

Tyler Fitzgerald 2B- 1 for 4, HR(6).  BA= .500.

David Villar 1B- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(9).  BA= .236.

Ismael Munguia RF- 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .239.

Juan Sanchez LHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.70.

As many good games as David Villar has, it sure seems like his BA should be higher than .236.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels blanked the Bowie Baysox 2-0:

Blake Sabol DH- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(1).  BA= .222.

Grant McCray CF- 1 for 3, 3B, BB.  BA= .215.

Matt Frisbee RHP- 6 IP,  7 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K.  ERA= 5.82.

Nick Garcia RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.31.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds topped the Spokane Indians 3-2:

Turner Hill CF- 2 for 3, BB, SB(7).  BA= .234.

Jack Choate LHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.19.

Manuel Mercedes RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's, GO/AO= 9/1.  ERA= 5.50.

A:  San Jose Giants pounded the Lake Elsinore Storm 11-3:

Justin Bench SS- 3 for 5, 2 2B, BB.  BA= .300.

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 2 for 6, 2B.  BA= .279.

Cesar Quintas RF- 4 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .198.

Jean Carlos Sio 2B- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .214.

Elian Rayo 3B- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .243.

Joe Whitman LHP- 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.96.

Austin Strickland RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 0.00.

Cesar Quintas hit an impressive HR Friday then goes 4 for 5 with 2 doubles yesterday.  So what is his BA doing under the Mendoza Line?  Hitting pitched baseballs consistently is so tough!

ACL:  Giants beat the Mariners 11-3:

Jose Ortiz CF- 2 for 4, BB, SB(5).  BA= .500.

Dario Reynoso SS- 1 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .227

Lisbel Diaz RF- 2 for 5.  BA= .467.

Eliam Sandoval LF- 3 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .357.

Jose Ramos 3B- 2 for 4, HR(1), SB(4).  BA= .250.

Brayan Palencia RHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.86.

Trevor McDonald RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.79.

I think Lisbel Diaz is a dude to watch here.  Still just 18 yo.

Game Wrap 5/25/2024: Giants 7 Mets 2

 Lamonte Wade Jr. came off the bench to drive in the tying run in the 9'th inning and the Giants blew it open in the 10'th for another come-from-behind win.  He didn't start the game due to a sore hammy, possibly from the stretch to end the game last night.  Double reason he probably should not have tried for a double even though the ball went all the way to the wall.  In the end it didn't seem to matter as the key run was the tying run and he didn't seem physically hurt by the effort.  Key Lines:

Patrick Bailey DH- 1 for 4, BB.  BA= .299.  Bailey RBI single in the 6'th drove in the Giants first run.  He drew a bases-loaded walk in the 10'th to drive in the second run of the inning and scored on YtY's triple.

Wilmer Flores 1B- 1 for 4.  BA= .216.  Not much of a line but the hit led off the 9'th against beleaguerd Mets Closer Edwin Diaz.  Bob Melvin then brought in Ryan McKenna PF/LF to pinch run.   McKenna was tasked with stealing 2B and did just that setting up LMWJ's game-tying hit.

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 1 for 5, 3B.  BA= .224.  Just 1 for 5 but the one hit was a triple with the bases loaded to effectively put the game out of reach.  

Brett Wisely SS/1B- 3 for 4.  BA= .385.  The Giants have several players showing improved play after getting second and third chances at the MLB level.  Wisely broke up Severino's no-hitter in the 6'th inning and scored the Giants first run.  He also drove in Designated Runner Curt Casali for the first run of the 10'th inning rally and later scored on Bailey's bases-loaded walk. 

Jordan Hicks RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 2.33.  Hicks' velocity was back and he looked sharper than in recent starts.  When you have that many K's your are generally throw a lot of pitches.  He ended up with 87 so probably could have gone another inning but with him stretching out into a SP role this year, it's probably wise on Melvin's part to be conservative with his pitch counts and innings.

Taylor Rogers LHP- 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.20.  Rogers caught a very scary liner that came right back at his head for the second out of the inning.  Melvin rescued him by bringing in Sean Hjelle to face Starling Marte and Hjelle got the K to end the inning.  Hjelle came back out for the 7'th and gave up a long HR to Brett Baty.  After a walk, Melvin went to Randy Rodriguez who absolutely destroyed Francisco Lindor on a called strike three.  I don't think Mets social media has stopped melting down yet!

Randy Rodriguez RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.03.  After completely disarming Lindor on a called strike three, Rodriguez ended the 7'th on a flyout to Alonso and then breezed through the 8'th.  Dude has filthy stuff and is rapidly becoming an elite, high leverage reliever.  His K of Lindor is already legendary!  Look up the video!

Luke Jackson RHP held the line with a scoreless bottom of the 9'th and Camilo Doval RHP breezed through the 10'th after the Giants blew it open in the top of the inning.  Doval probably pitched because Melvin didn't have time to warm someone else up after YtY's triple suddenly made it a non-save situation.  

The Dodgers lost again so the Giants close to 5.5 games behind in the NL West and are in sole possession of the lead for the last Wild Card playoff spot pending the outcome of the Padres vs Yankees game which the Yankees lead 4-1 as of this writing.

Logan Webb RHP tries for a series sweep tomorrow facing Forever Giant Sean Manaea LHP.

Down on the Farm: 5/24/2024

AAA:  El Paso Chihuahuas outscored the Sacramento River Cats 7-6:

Trenton Brooks 1B- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .291.

David Villar DH- 3 for 5, HR(5).  BA= .229.

Donovan Walton 2B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .280.

Raymond Burgos LHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 Bb, 2 K's, GO/AO= 4/1.  ERA= 1.50.

Spencer Bivens RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 1 K,  GO/AO= 4/0.  ERA= 2.86.

AA:  Richmond Flyhing Squirrels crushed the Bowie Baysox 17-10:

Carter Howell LF- 3 for 5, BB.  BA= .288.

Will Wilson SS- 3 for 5, 2B, BB.  BA= .220.

Victor Bericoto RF- 3 for 4, 2B, HR(3), 2 BB.  BA= .213.

Grant McCray CF- 3 for 5, 2B, BB.  BA= .212.

Andy Thomas 1B- 2 for 4, HR(1), BB.  BA= .237.

Adrian Sugastey DH- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .226.

Tanner Kiest RHP- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.21.

Tyler Myrick RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 7.20.

An offensive explosion from a team that has struggled to hit all season.  Go figure!

A+:  Spokane Indians buried the Eugene Emeralds 9-2:

Justin Wishkoski SS- 2 for 4.  BA= .267.

Cameron Cotter RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.19.

A:  San Jose Giants blanked the Lake Elsinore Storm 4-0:

Jonah Cox CF- 1 for 3, 2 BB, SB(26).  BA= .352.

Scott Bandura LF- 3 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .306.

Cesar Quintas RF- 1 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .235.

Cale Lansville RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 3.98.

Luis Perdomo LHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 1.30.

Trent Harris RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.77.

I attended this game with a friend.  Scott Bandura looks good in a baseball uniform and barreled up 3 balls.  I would say he was the most impressive player on the field to a non-professional eye.  Of the pitchers, Luis Perdomo is a bit short for a pitcher but had good command of multiple pitches and got a lot of swings and misses.  No radar gun readings but Trent Harris appeared to have the best FB and dropped some sharp breaking balls in for K's.  The Diamond has a short RF wall and a deep LF.  Cesar Quintas put a charge into one that banged off the LF scoreboard about halfway up.

ACL:  Giants defeated the Cubs 9-5:

Jose Ortiz RF- 2 for 2, 2 BB, SB(4).  BA= .500.

Dario Reynoso 3B- 0 for 1, 3 BB.  BA= .225.

Giants scored 9 runs on 5 hits, all singles, and 11 BB's.  

Game Wrap 5/24/2024: Giants 8 Mets 7

Patrick Bailey's grand slam home run in the 8'th inning fueled the Giants third consecutive come-from-behind win from deficits of 4 runs or more, which is a franchise record and has been done only 3 other times in MLB history.  Key Lines:

Thairo Estrada 2B- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .244.  Estrada's double drove in the first run of the 8'th inning rally.  He later scored on Bailey's slam.

Matt Chapman 3B- 0 for 3, BB.  BA= .245.  Chapman drew a walk to load the bases ahead of Bailey, but it was his defensive play which saved a run and ended the game that was the big news for him.  The Mets loaded the bases in the 9'th with the Giants leading by 1, 2 outs, a run in.  Chapman barehanded a dribbler down the line and made an off-balance throw to nail the runner and end the game so the runner crossing home plate did not count.  Assist to LMWJ for a nice stretch, fielding the one-hop throw and keeping his foot on the bag. 

Patrick Bailey C- 2 for 4, HR(4), SB(2).  BA= .301.  Not much to add but oh, the wonder of it all!  Bailey is exceeding my expectations.  I am happy Joey Bart is doing well with the Pirates but if the choice was Bailey or Bart, I think Bailey is the right call.

Jorge Soler DH- 1 for 4, HR(6).  BA= .215.  Soler's HR drove in the Giants first run in the second inning.  Hey!  If you win by one run, they are all just as important.

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 2 for 4, HR(5).  BA= .225.  YtY added an insurance run in the 9'th inning with the HR.  It turned out to be the game winner.  

Marco Luciano SS- 3 for 4, 3B.  BA= .409.  Luciano scored after the triple in the 3'rd inning.  He also committed two more errors in the game.  Something to watch going forward.

Kyle Harrison LHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 3.90.  Harrison made it through 5 rocky innings but this game was won by the lineup.

With the Win, the Giants close the deficit to the Dodgers to 6.5 games in the NL West and are tied with the Padres in the race for the final Wild Card playoff spot.

The Giants try for their 4'th win in a row and 8'th win in 9 games today with Jordan Hicks RHP facing Luis Severino RHP.

Churn Watch:  

The Giants signed Drew Pomeranz LHP to a major league deal after he exercised an opt out clause with the Dodgers.  Mason Black RHP was optioned to AAA Sacramento and Jakson Reetz was designated for assignment.

Down on the Farm: 5/23/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats outscored the El Paso Chihuahuas 11-7:

Tyler Fitzgerald CF- 2 for 4, HR(5), 2 BB.  BA= .615.

Casey Schmitt SS- 4 for 5, 2B, 2 HR(9), BB.  BA= .299.

Trenton Brooks 1B- 2 for 5, BB.  BA= .290.

Brandon Martorano RF- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .211.

 

A single, double and 2 HR's is better than a cycle.

AA:  Bowie Baysox edged out the Richmond Flying Squirrels 2-1:

Carter Howell DH- 1 for 3, BB, SB(3).  BA= .275.

Will Wilson SS- 0 for 1, 3 BB.  BA= .205.

Vaun Brown CF/LF- 1 for 3, HR(2).  BA= .130.

John Bertrand LHP- 6 IP,  0 H, 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 2.25.

After missing a lot of time with injuries, can Vaun Brown find traction again?  EL is a tough place to find it.  

A+:  Spokane Indians buried the Eugene Emeralds 9-3:

Justin Wishkoski 3B- 1 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .259.

A:  San Jose Giants topped the Lake Elsinore Storm 6-5:

Jonah Cox CF- 2 for 5, 3B.  BA= .352.

Scott Bandura RF- 3 for 3, BB, SF, SB(3).  BA= .250.

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 3 for 4, BB, SB(1).  BA= .279.

Charlie Szykowny 3B- 3 for 5.  BA= .328.

Javier Franciso 2B- 2 for 4 2 2B.  BA= .225.

Cody Tucker RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.05.

Not sure of the circumstances around the SB by Eldridge but stealing bases might not be what you want him doing in as part of his development.

ACL:  D'Backs defeated the Giants 6-3:

Wade Meckler CF- 2 for 5.  BA= .313.

Lisbel Diaz LF- 2 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .625.

Derwin Laya 3B- 2 for 4.  BA- .359.

Ian Villers RHP- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 5.00.

Lisbel Diaz is from Cuba. Signed July 23, 2023.  He's still 18 yo.  Hit .312 with 3 HR's  in 88 PA in the DSL last season 

Game Wrap 5/23/2024: Giants 7 Pirates 6

A 5-run rally in the 8'th inning brought the Giants back from a 4-run deficit for a series win agains the Pirates.  Key Lines:

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 2 for 5.  BA= .339.  LMWJ reached base twice....and lowered his OBP.  

Matt Chapman 3B- 2 for 5, HR(8).  BA= .249.  Chapman narrowed the gap to 6-5 with a 3-run jack in the 8'th inning.  He's back on track for 25 HR's on the season.  Is he playing GG D?  

Jorge Soler DH- 1 for 4.  BA= .214.  Soler followed Chapman's HR with a double and eventually came around to score the tying run.

Heliot Ramos LF- 2 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .296.  Ramos' HR to LF narrowed the gap to 5-2 in the 7'th.  The Pirates would add a run in the bottom of the inning setting up the epic 5-run rally in the 8'th.  

Brett Wisely SS/CF- 2 for 4.  BA= .222.  Wisely drove in the winning run.   He drove in a run in the 10'th inning last night on a Sac Fly.

Erik Miller LHP- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.56.  Miller was the Opener.  That did not seem to help Mason Black RHP who gave up 4 big ones on Joey Bart's grand slam.  I don't have the numbers but if an Opener is supposed to help the guy who would otherwise start, it sure doesn't seem like.

Taylor Rogers LHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.32.  Rogers got the game to the 7'th inning without further damage which seems like a pretty big key.

Randy Rodriguez RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 2.31.  Significant that Melvin used Randy in the 8'th after the Giants took a 1-run lead.  It seemed like a matter of time before he started getting higher leverage situations.

The Win gives the Giant a series win and 6 wins in their last 7 games.  Shoulda been 7 in a row.  The Dodgers were idle so the Giants again 0.5 games to a 7.5 game deficit.  The Padres won so the Giants are still 1 game behind in the Wild Card race.

Giants move on to New York for a series against the Mets with Kyle Harrison LHP facing Christian Scott RHP tomorrow evening in the opener.  

Churn Watch:

Blake Snell LHP goes on paternity leave and Nick Avila RHP was recalled to fill in.  Snell is expected back in time for his next start.  I read somewhere that Snell said he developed a blister on his foot in yesterday's start.

Down on the Farm: 5/22/2024

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats outscored the El Paso Chihuahuas 10-6:

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 2 for 4, 2 HR(4), BB.  BA= .667.

Casey Schmitt 3B- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(7).  BA= .283.

David Villar 1B- 1 for 5, HR(4).  BA= .219.

Jakson Reetz C- 3 for 5, 3 2B.  BA= .242.

Ismael Munguia LF- 1 for 4, 2B, SB(7).  BA= .233.

Fitz and Schmitty are demonstrating a big problem for MLB:  The huge chasm between the talent level at AAA and MLB.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Bowie Baysox 9-3:

Will Wilson SS- 2 for 5, HR(4).  BA= .207.

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 4, 3B, HR(6), BB.  BA= .197.

Victor Bericoto 1B- 2 for 2 HR(2), 2 BB.  BA= .203.

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 2.29.

Wil Jensen RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.91.

I am still cautiously optimistic that McCray is going to be a very good MLB player.  After an extremely slow first month in AA he's slashing .271/.368/.610 in May.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds beat the Spokane Indians 8-3:

Quinn McDaniel CF- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .288.

Diego Velasquez SS- 2 for 3, BB, SB(10).  BA= .299.

Rodolfo Nolasco DH- 2 for 4, HR(3).  BA= .333.

Justin Wishkoski 3B- 2 for 4, SB(9).  BA= .259.

Alexander Suarez LF- 2 for 4, HR(4).  BA= .281.

Dylan Cumming RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 9 K's. ERA= 1.87.

Nick Morreale RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.74.

Alexander Suarez is red hot.  .304/.327/.609 in May.  I have long considered him one of the highest ceiling prospects in the organization.  Is this his long-awaited breakout?

A:  Lake Elsinore Storm outlasted the San Jose Giants 6-5(10 innings):

Really nothing of significance in this box score.

Game Wrap 5/22/2024: Giants 9 Pirates 5(10 innings)

The Giants turned the tables on the Pirates coming back from a 5-0 deficit to win in extra innings.  Key Lines:

Luis Matos CF- 2 for 6. BA= .325.  Matos was 0 for 4 when he came up with 2 outs in the 9'th inning and the Giants trailing by a run.  He singled, took 2B on an error by Bryan Reynlds(yes, THAT Bryan Reynolds!) and scored on a single by Lamonte Wade Jr.  Matos later drove in the final run of the game to cap the 10'th inning rally.

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 3 for 3,  3 BB.  BA= .336.  LMWJ reaches base 6 times.  He's quietly turned himself into one of the elite hitters in MLB.

Matt Chapman 3B- 1 for 3, HR(7), 2 BB.  BA= .245.  Chapman's HR with LMWJ on board closed the margin to 5-3 in the 6'th inning.  He's batting .480 over his last 7 games.

Patrick Bailey C- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .295.  Bailey's first start since coming off the concussion IL shows how valuable he is to the lineup.

Jorge Soler DH- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .213.  Giants need Soler to find some traction.  

Blake Snell LHP- 3.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 11.40.   More of the same from Snell.  I guess facing MLB hitters is not the same as A and AAA?  3 of his runs scored on a grand slam HR by Bryan Reynolds(yes, THAT Bryan Reynolds!) give up by Sean Hjelle, but still an awful start by Snell threw over 60 pitches in his first 3 innings and ended with 87.

Randy Rodriguez RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.53.  Another electric appearance by Randy who was one of the few prospects FZ has protected from the Rule 5 Draft.

Tyler Rogers RHP, Ryan Walker RHP and Camilo Doval RHP pitched a scoreless inning each.

The Dodgers trail the D'Backs 6-0 but as of this writing the Giants sit 8.5 games behind the Dodgers and 1 game behind the final Wild Card playoff spot.

The Giants try for a series win facing the sensational Paul Skenes RHP with TBD starting for the Giants.

Churn Watch:

Nick Avila RHP was optioned to AAA Sacramento to make way for Blake Snell's return from the IL.

Down on the Farm: 5/21/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats mauled the El Paso Chihuahuas 11-4:

Tyler Fitzgerald SS- 4 for 5, 2B, 2 HR(2), BB, SB(1).  BA= .800.  

Hunter Bishop CF- 1 for 4, 2 BB.  BA= .423.

David Villar 3B- 1 for 3, 3 BB.  BA= .219.

Trenton Brooks 1B- 3 for 6, SB(6).  BA= .286.

Brady Whalen RF- 2 for 4, BB. BA= .385.

Brett Auerbach LF- 1 for 4, HR(1), BB.  BA= .360.

Carson Whisenhunt LHP- 4.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 8 K.  BA= 6.37.

Raymond Burgos LHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K.  ERA= 0.00.

Tanner Andrews RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's. ERA= 8.27.

What's better than hitting for a cycle?  Substituting a HR for the triple!  Brett Auerbach his obviously happy to be out of the hitter's hell of the Eastern League.  Raymond Burgos is a lefty reliever so has a easier path to a MLB job than some other positions.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Bowie Baysox 9-4:  

Carter Howell RF- 2 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .277.

Will Wilson SS- 1 for 4, HR(3), Sac.  BA= .198.

Grant McCray CF- 3 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .187.

Andy Thomas C- 2 for 5, 2B, SB(3).  BA= .227.

Vaun Brown LF- 2 for 4, SB(3).  BA= .129.

Eric Silva RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.50.

Nick Garcia RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 1.45.

Maybe Will Wilson needs some exposure to the PCL too?  McCray his slashing .255/.349/.527 for the month of May including 10 for 19 over his last 8 games.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds buried the Spokane Indians 12-5:

Quinn McDaniel 2B- 2 for 5, SB(15).  BA= .281.

Diego Velasquez SS- 2 for 3, 2 2B, BB, SF.  BA= .289.

Rodolfo Nolasco RF- 2 for 4, SF.  BA= .313.

Zach Morgan C- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .213.

Alexander Suarez LF- 3 for 3, 2B, 2 HR(3), BB.  BA= .264.

Turner Hill CF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .241.

Seth Lonsway LHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K's,  GO/AO= 9/1.  ERA= 3.35.

Seth Corry LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.18.

Cameron Cotter RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.67.

A:  San Jose Giants quieted the Lake Elsinore Storm 3-1:  

Jonah Cox CF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .351.

Charlie Szykowny 3B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .313.

Jean Carlos Sio SS- 1 for 3, BB, 2 SB(5).  BA= .204.

Ubert Mejias RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.08.

Cole Hillier RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's. ERA= 3.07.

ACL:  Cubs pounded the Giants 11-3:

Wade Meckler CF- 1 for 2, 2 BB, SB(2).  BA= .273.

Lisbel Diaz RF- 2 for 3.  BA- .600.

Derwin Laya 3B- 2 for 3.  BA- .343.

Game Wrap 5/21/2024: Pirates 7 Giants 6(10 innings)

Well, that wasn't good!  The Giants cruised into the 9'th inning looking to extend their winning streak to 5 games, then an epic bullpen and fielding meltdown erased their 4-run lead and they went on to lose in extra-innings.  Key Lines:  

Thairo Estrada- 1 for 4, HR(8), BB.  BA= .250.  Thairo takes over the team led in HR's.  

Matt Chapman 3B- 2 for 5, 2B, HR(6).  BA= .243.  Chapman is on a tear batting .440 over his last 7 games.  After a dismal April, his slash line for May is .279/.364/.456.  

Marco Luciano RHP- 2 for 4.  BA= .375.  The good news is Luciano continues to hit well.  The bad news is his throwing error was a big part of the 9'th inning meltdown as 2 of the 4 runs the Pirates scored to tie it were unearned.  Hopefully the kid can shake it off by tomorrow.

Logan Webb RHP- 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 6/2.  ERA= 3.03.  Webb was looking like he had an easy win........

The Loss left the Giants 9 games behind the Dodgers and tied with the D'Backs.  They trail the Padres by 1 game in the Wild Card race.

Blake Snell LHP makes his much anticipated return from the IL tomorrow facing Jared Jones RHP

Churn Watch:  

Patrick Bailey C was activated from the concussion IL and Blake Sabol C/OF was optioned to AA.  AA?

Tyler Fitzgerald UT was optioned to AAA to make room for Ryan McKenna OF on the Active Roster.

Down on the Farm: 5/20/2024

ACL:  Giants defeated the Royals 7-3:

Walker Martin SS- 1 for 2.  BA= .500. 

Wade Meckler CF- 2 for 3, 2 2B, SB(1).  BA= .222.

Ramon Peralta 3B/SS- 1 for 3, 2 BB, 2 SB(3).  BA= .343.

Dario Reynoso DH- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .243.

Derwin Laya 1B/3B- 2 for 4.  BA= .313.

Brayan Palencia RHP- 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 5/1.  ERA= 5.40.

Kyle Cody RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's, GO/AO= 3/0.  ERA= 0.00.

Ian Villars RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 6.75.

Lots going on here.  Walker Martin makes his pro debut and leaves for a PH in the 4'th inning after 2 AB's.  What's that all about?  Ramon Peralta looks like the breakout prospect here but he's 20 yo and this is his 4'th season in the organization.  He needs to move up to full season ball as soon as possible as he only has 1 more season before hitting Rule 5 eligibility. Great peripheral stats for Palencia.  Cody is 29 yo and appears to be on a rehab assignment.  You would think he would be moving up anytime now, possibly all the way to AAA.  I think Roger Munter mentioned on X that Villers is hitting high 90's with the FB.

Down on the Farm: 5/19/2024

 AAA:  Oklahoma City Baseball Club(Dodgers) defeated the Sacramento River Cats 6-4:

Hunter Bishop LF- 2 for 2, 2B, 2 BB, SF.  BA= .455.

Trenton Brooks 1B- 1 for 2, 2B, 3 BB.  BA= .275.

Brady Whalen RF- 3 for 3, 2B.  BA= .333.

Brett Auerbach 2B- 2 for 3, 2 2B, Sac, SB(1).  BA= .381.

Carson Seymour RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 3 K, GO/AO= 9/1.  ERA= 4.35.

Spencer Bivens RHP- 1.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.13.

Hunter Bishop continues to fill up his batting lines.  Looks like Carson Seymour may end up as the main return from the Darin Ruf trade.

AA:  Reading Fightin' Phils beat the Richmond Flying Squirrels 6-2:

Luis Toribio 3B- 2 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .189.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds topped the Everett Aquasox 7-5:

Rodolfo Nolasco RF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .286.

Diego Velasquez SS- 1 for 4, BB, 2 SB(9).  BA= .279.

Justin Wishkoski 3B- 4 for 5, 2B.  BA= .250.

Manuel Mercedes RHP- 5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 8/2.  ERA= 6.06.

Julio Rodriguez RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.60.

Matt Mikulski LHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, Save(2).  ERA= 5.94.

A:  San Jose Giants cracked the Modesto Nuts 4-1:

Jonah Cox CF- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, 3 SB(24).  BA= .349.

Elian Rayo 2B- 2 for 5.  BA= .240.

Joe Whitman LHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 4.60.

Trent Harris RHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's. ERA= 1.96.

Game Wrap 5/19/2024: Giants 4 Rockies 1

Jordan Hicks worked around diminished velocity apparently caused by a brief pregame illness and got help from the bullpen over the last 4 innings to complete a sweep of the Rockies who came in on a 7 game winning streak.  Key Lines:

Lamonte Wade Jr 1B- 2 for 4.  BA= .321.  LMWJ went 4 for 10 on the series after a mini-slump against the Dodgers.  

Matt Chapman 3B- 1 for 2, BB, HBP.  BA= .239.  At one point in the game Chapman reached base for the 11 consecutive Plate Appearance.  Jon Miller and Kruk went over who the last Giant to do that was but I don't remember(Hunter Pence?).  Oh, and the hit was another one of those swinging bunts that help the Giants in this series. 

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 2 for 4.  BA= .235.  YtY went 0 for 4 yesterday but got 2 more hits today so he has four 2-hit games out of his last 5, 8 for 20 in that span.  Unfortunately. he did not figure into the scoring today despite the two hits.

Heliot Ramos LF- 1 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .293.  The Giants had several balls appear to die on the warning track today but Ramos put a charge into one in the 6'th inning that cleared the fence in straightaway CF by a healthy margin to give the Giants a much appreciated insurance run.

Marco Luciano SS- 1 for 3, BB.  BA= .333.  Luciano has been a bit oveshadowed by Luis Matos and Heliot Ramos and maybe that's a good thing because he's quietly doing great after taking over SS from Casey Schmitt who was good defensively but was flailing again a the plate.

Curt Casali C- 2 for 4.  BA= .500.  Casali continued to take charge behind the plate and added a couple of soft liners to RF for his two hits.  I don't think anyone cares if he hits a lick as long as he maintains order behind the plate.

Jordan Hicks RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 7/3.  ERA= 2.38.  Hicks FB was barely breaking 90 MPH early in the game causing some fretting among pretty much everybody but Mike Krukow.  Turns out Hicks threw up his pregame meal and felt weakened though not sick at the start of the game.  He worked on eating bananas and Stroopwafels(what?) between innings and was able to dial it back up to 96 MPH in the 5'th inning before exiting the game.

Sean Hjelle RHP got 3 groundball outs, Luke Jackson RHP struck out the side, Taylor Rogers LHP worked around 2 walks and Camilo Doval RHP closed it out for his 8'th Save.

Everybody in the NL West won to maintain the status quo in the standings.  The Giants trail the Dodgers by 9 games and are 1 game behind in the Wild Card race.

The Giants hit the road and start a series in Pittsburgh with Logan Webb RHP facing the Pirates Martin Perez LHP.

Down on the Farm: 5/18/2024

 AAA:  Oklahoma City Baseball Club(Dodgers) defeated the Sacramento River Cats 5-3:

Casey Schmitt SS- 1 for 4, HR(6).  BA= .275.

Donovan Walton 2B- 2 for 4.  BA= .272.

Spencer Howard RHP- 4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 9 K's.  ERA= 5.60.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels blanked the Reading Fightin' Phils 2-0:

Will Wilson DH- 2 for 4, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .206.

Jairo Pomares RF- 1 for 4, 3B.  BA= .167.

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 4, HR(5).  BA= .169.

Carson Ragsdale RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K's.  ERA= 3.03.

Evan Gates RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 0.86.

Eric Silva RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 5.06.

I've been a big Carson Ragsdale fan.  Love his height.  Have I ever mentioned that I like tall pitchers?  He's only been pitching every 7'th day and this is his strongest start of the season.

A+:  Everett Aquasox pounded the Eugene Emeralds 10-5:

Diego Velasquez SS- 0 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .280.

Matt Higgins DH- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .266.

Onil Perez C- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .302.

A:  San Jose Giants crushed the Modesto Nuts 12-1:

Jonah Cox CF/2B- 2 for 5, HBP.  BA= .341.

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 2 for 5, HR(5), BB.  BA= .265. 

Elian Rayo DH- 2 for 5.  BA= .232.

Bo Davidson LF- 2 for 5.  BA= .226.

Jean Carlos Sio 2B/SS-  1 for 3, 2 BB, SB(1).  BA= .207.

Cale Lansville RHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.55.

Cesar Perdomo LHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 1.46.

The HR by Bryce Eldridge was a grand slam.  He had 6 RBI's on the day.

Game Wrap 5/18/2024: Giants 14 Rockies 4

You were impressed by Luis Matos' 5 RBI's last night?  He got 6 today as he led the Giants lineup in pummeling the Rockies with double-digit runs in Coors Field West.  Key Lines:

Jorge Soler DH- 3 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .219.  Soler leads off for the second game in a row and who's to argue with success?  He reached base twice last night and 3 times today.  In general he seems to be making more solid contact and having better AB's than before he went on the IL.

Thairo Estrada 2B- 2 for 4, 2B, SF.  BA= .256.  5 hits in 9 ABs over his last 2 games.  Now batting .296 over his last 7 games and .305 over his last 15.

Matt Chapman 3B- 4 for 4, 2 2B, BB, SB(5).  BA= .236.  7 for 8 over his last two games with a walk.

Luis Matos CF- 3 for 5, 2B, HR(2).  BA= .385.  Matos is setting historic team records for RBI's in a short span.  11 in two game?  That's crazy!  He made his MLB debut last year and even played enough to loss his prospect status but this has the feel of Willie Mac hitting two triples in his first MLB game or Will Clark homering off Nolan Ryan in his.  We may all look back and be able to say we witnessed Luis Matos breakout.

Heliot Ramos LF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .297.  Ramos is getting overlooked by all the commotion caused by Matos but he's been consistently hitting the ball hard.  The talent has always been there.

Marco Luciano SS- 2 for 4, 2 2B, BB.  BA= .333.  Once again, we would all be buzzing about Luciano if it weren't for Matos performances.  The two doubles were crushed.

Curt Casali C- 1 for 2, 2 BB, Sac.  BA= .500.  I don't think it's a coincidence that the Giants first 3 game win streak started with Casali's arrival.  He's made a visible difference in the body language behind the plate and I think in the pitchers too.  Any hitting he does is extra.

There are very few things that get me excited more than seeing crooked numbers in the hits column in a baseball box score.  The Giants had 6 players with those today and 4 yesterday.

Kyle Harrison LHP- Kyle Harrison LHP- 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.60.  ERA- 3.60.  Harrison was not his sharpest and gave up a 3-spot in the third inning.  With the Giants offense pounding the Rockies, he didn't need to be perfect.  The W improved his record to 4-1.  

Ryan Walker RHP gave up a run in the 6'th but Erik Miller LHP and the Rogers Bros, Tyler RHP and Taylor LHP shut dow the Rockies over the final 3 innings.

Padres were rained out, D'Backs are tied with the Tigers mid-game and the Dodgers are just warming up.  As of this writing the Giants are 8 games behind the first place Dodgers in the NL West and just 1 game behind the Padres for the final Wild Card Playoff spot.

Jordan Hicks RHP tries for the sweep tomorrow afternoon facing Dakota Hudson RHP.

Churn Watch:

Ryan McKenna OF was claimed off waivers from the Orioles.  McKenna is a versatile, but light-hitting OF who can play all 3 OF positions.  He's a right handed thrower and hitter.

Down on the Farm: 5/17/2024

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Oklahoma City Baseball Club(Dodgers) 5-1:

Trenton Brooks 1B- 1 for 2, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .271.

Hunter Bishop CF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .438.

Donovan Walton SS- 2 for 4, SB(1).  BA= .260.

Blake Snell LHP- 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 10 K.  ERA= 0.00.

Justin Garza RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.14.

Spencer Bivens RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.00.

5 no-hit innings in AAA is a lot more impressive than in A ball for Blake Snell.  Next start will undoubtedly be in a Giants uniform and let's all hope he's been "fixed" as Madison Bumgarner would say.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Reading Fightin' Phils 8-3:

Carter Howell RF- 2 for 5.  BA= .269.

Jairo Pomares LF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .154.

Andy Thomas C- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .218.

Adrian Sugastey DH- 2 for 4.  BA= .221.

John Bertrand LHP- 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.57.

Wil Jensen RHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 1.78.

A+:  Everett Aquasox topped the Eugene Emeralds 5-3:

 

Diego Velasquez SS- 1 for 3, HR(2), BB.  BA= .288.

Jack Choate LHP- 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 2.38.

With the disappearance of Aeverson Arteaga it seems like Velasquez is the top SS prospect in the system after Marco Luciano.  BTW, Maui Ahuna's name is nowwhere to be found in the box scores lately either.

A:  San Jose Giants cracked the Modesto Nuts 5-2:

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 2 for 4, HR(4).  BA= .258.

Estanlin Cassiani LF- 2 for 3.  BA= .236.

Will Bednar RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.50.

Josh Bostick RHP- 4.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 6.15.  

Tommy Kane LHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.61.

Bryce Eldridge has a 9 game hit streak in which he is batting .368.  His slash line for May is .308/.373/.481.

ACL:  Rockies blanked the Giants 4-0:

Jose Ramos 2B- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .243.

Dario Reynoso SS- 1 for 3, BB, SB(5).

Ramon Peralta 3B- 1 for 3, BB, SB(1).  BA= .344.

Trevor McDonald RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K. ERA= 0.00.

Mikell Manzano RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K, GO/AO= 9/1.  ERA= 2.45.

A Trevor McDonald sighting!  Starting a rehab assignment.

Game Wrap 5/17/2024: Giants 10 Rockies 5

Mason Black struggled through 3 innings and fell behind early but the lineup brought their hitting shoes and picked him up led by Thairo Estrada's 3-run home run and Luis Matos' 5 RBI's.  Key Lines:

Jorge Soler DH- 1 for 4, BB.  BA= .203.  You knew Soler's rehab assignment would not last long.  Batting him leadoff is a curious move by Bob Melvin.  There is a theory out there that the leadoff batter sees the best pitches to hit because the pitcher is trying to not walk them so it's a good spot in the order to put a batter you are trying to get going.  Of course, that is 180 degrees opposite of every stats based theory of lineup construction.  Hey!  A single and a walk in 5 PA's is a .400 OBP!

Thairo Estrada 2B- 3 for 5, HR(7).  BA= .250.  3-run HR's are a very good way to score runs and win games.   In the 5'th inning, Soler and Lamonte Wade Jr who batted second reached base with single and Thairo, the #3 batter, drove them in ahead of his 3-run HR.  That's the way it's drawn up. Thairo has been a bit streaky this season but he's now tied with Michael Conforto for the team lead in HR's.

Matt Chapman 3B- 3 for 4, 2 2B, HBP, SB(4).  BA= .218.  Solid game for Chapman who batted cleanup despite an OPS hovering a bit above .600.  Maybe Melvin showing faith in him will get him going?  

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .234.  Third straight 2-hit game for Yaz the Younger.  

Luis Matos CF- 3 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .333.  What a night for Matos.  He even got an RBI on a swinging bunt single.  As they way, when you're hot, you're hot.  Two games ago Matos looked completely lost in CF.  A great catch in the final game of the Dodgers series seemed to give him a boost of confidence.  Let's see if he can keep it going and play up to what appears to be tremendous potential.

Marco Luciano SS- 1 for 4.  BA= .200.  Put Luciano in the 9-hole and let him play seems to be as good a plan as any.  Another young player with tremendous potential.  

Mason Black RHP- 3 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 7.71.  Black was not fooling anyone.  The way the Rockies were teeing off, you have to wonder if they knew what was coming.

Sean Hjelle RHP-  2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, GO/AO= 4/1.  ERA= 2.81.  Hjelle stopped the bleeding and allowed the lineup to get back in the game.  He's become a solid multi-inning relief option.

Randy Rodriguez RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.12.  Rodriguez was hitting 100 MPH with the FB and had the Rockies flailing at his slider, although he spiked a couple too.

The Win kept the Giants 8.5 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West and just 1.5 games behind in the Wild Card race.

Kyle Harrison LHP tries for the Giants first 3-game win streak today facing Forever Giant Ty Blach LHP in an afternoon game.

Churn Watch: 

As expected, Keaton Winn RHP went on the IL.  Mason Black was recalled from AAA Sacramento and Jorge Soler was activated off the IL.  Casey Schmitt IF was optioned to AAA Sacramento after hitting just .136 over 6 games.  It looks like the Giants are giving Marco Luciano a chance to find traction on what they hope will be a great MLB career.

Sadly, but not unexpectedly, Jung Hoo Lee and the Giants announced he will undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left(non-throwing) shoulder ending his season.  See you next season, Jung Hoo!

Down on the Farm: 5/16/2024

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats blanked the Oklahoma City Baseball Club(Dodgers) 8-0:

Jorge Soler DH- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .286.

Trenton Brooks 1B- 2 for 4, HR(4).  BA= .267.

Hunter Bishop CF- 2 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .417.

Brett Auerbach 2B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .400.

Landon Roupp RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 2.79.  

Tommy Romero RHP- 4.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K"s.  ERA= 1.49.

Great to see Jorge Soler on a rehab assignment.  Don't expect it to last too long.  Hunter Bishop!  Has any player come this far back from the proverbial dead before?  There was Josh Hamilton but for much different reasons.  I imagine Landon Roupp is going to ride the Sacramento Shuttle most of the season.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels subdued the Reading Fightin' Phils 9-1(Game 1 of doubleheader, 7 innings):

Carter Howell DH- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SB(2).  BA= .260.

Jairo Pomares RF- 1 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .130.

Jimmy Glowenke 2B- 2 for 3, 2 2B.  BA= .267.

Grant McCray CF- 1 for 2, 2B, SB(4).  BA= .155.

Hayden Birdsong RHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K. ERA= 2.08.

Eric Silva RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.79.

Great to see some signs of life in the Squirrels lineup.  I seem to remember Grant McCray struggling out of the leadoff spot last year and doing better when he was dropped down.  Is that accurate?

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Reading Fightin' Phils 3-1(Second game of doubleheader- 7 innings):

Carter Howell CF/LF- 1 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .263.

Andy Thomas 1B 2 for 3, 2B.  BA= .206.

Vaun Brown DH- 1 for 3, 2B.  BA= .121.

Jose Cruz RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 7.30.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds topped the Everett Aquasox 5-4:

Rodolfo Nolasco RF- 3 for 5, HR(2), SB(2).  BA= .313.

Alexander Suarez CF- 1 for 4, HR(1).   BA= .237.

Onil Perez C- 1 for 4, 2 SB(10).  BA= .286.

Matt Mikulski LHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= .646.

Nick Sinacola RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.67.

A:  San Jose Giants outscored the Modesto Nuts 7-5:

Cole Foster SS- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .292.

Bryce Eldridge DH- 1 for 4, 2B, BB. BA- .247.

Dylan Carmouche LHP- 4.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.93.

Cody Tucker RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.38.

ACL:  Giants pounded the Angels 8-1: 

Jose Ramos 2B- 2 for 5, BB, SB(3).  BA= .235.

Wade Meckler DH- 0 for 3.  BA= .000.

Dario Reynoso 3B- 1 for 3, 2B, BB, SB(4).  BA= .226.

Ramon Peralta SS- 2 for 5, HR(1).  BA- .345.

Jediael Maduro 1B- 3 for 4, BB.  BA= .409.

Eliam Sandoval LF- 1 for 2, 3 BB.  BA= .417.

Lazaro Morales CF- 1 for 2, 2B, 3 BB.  BA- .286.

Samir Chires RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 5 BB, 0 K, GO/AO= 2/10.  ERA= 3.65.

Kyle Cody RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Keyner Martinez RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 3.00.

Ramon Peralta is looking like the breakout prospect from this season's ACL team.  Wade Meckler begins his rehab assignment.  Roger Munter mentioned on X that he looked like he might still be hurting.

Down on the Farm: 5/15/2024

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Oklahoma City Baseball Club(Dodgers) 4-1:

Hunter Bishop CF- 2 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .375.

Trenton Brooks 1B- 0 for 2, 2 BB, SB(5).  BA= .259.

Brett Auerbach 2B- 2 for 3.  BA= .364.

Carson Whisenhunt LHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 6.16.

Reggie Crawford LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 0.00.

Spencer Bivens RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(6).  ERA= 3.41.

LOL Hunter Bishop!  Maybe we see him in Oracle Park before the end of the season?  Talk about the last laugh!

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Reading Fightin' Phils 6-4:

Jimmy Glowenke 2B- 2 for 4.  BA= .246.

Grant McCray CF- 2 for 4, 2 2B.  BA= .148.

Luis Toribio 3B- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .179

Adrian Sugastey C- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .205.

Evan Gates RHP- 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 0.95.

Wil Jensen RHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 1.95.

McCray moves down in the order and promptly gets 2 hits, both doubles.

A+:  Everett. Aquasox topped the Eugene Emeralds 5-4:

Andrew Kachel 1B- 3 for 5, HR(2).  BA= .275.

Alexander Suarez CF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA- .235.

Nick Morreale RHP- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.00.

A:  San Jose Giants crushed the Modesto Nuts 16-5:

Jonah Cox CF- 3 for 7, SB(21).  BA= .345.

Cole Foster DH- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, 2 HBP.  BA= .284.

Bryce Eldridge 1B- 1 for 5, HR(3), BB.  BA= .247.

Charlie Szykowny 3B- 0 for 3, 2 BB, SF.  BA- .357.

Bo Davidson LF- 3 for 4, 2 2B, 2 HBP.  BA= .217.

Ubert Mejias RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.75.

Shane Rademacher RHP- 3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 2.74.

Bryce Eldridge is batting .295 with a .360 OBP for the month of May so far.

Game Wrap 5/15/2024: Giants 4 Dodgers 1

Mike Yastrzemski's 2-run home run provided the offensive spark to give Logan Webb a win preventing another humiliating sweep at the hands of the Dodgers.  Key Lines:

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 2 for 4, HR(4).  BA= .223.   YtY's second 2-hit game in a row.  Let's hope this is the start of a hot streak for him.  The Giants need it now more than ever.

Heliot Ramos LF- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .310.  Ramos' double drove in an insurance run in the 6'th as he continues to look like he belongs in the major leagues.

Luis Matos CF- 1 for 4.  BA= .250.  Matos was coming off a rough night in CF but made a spectacular catch to rob Teoscar Hernandez of a HR in the 4'th inning.  Matos crumpled to the ground in a scene that seemed like deja vu all over again but he got up, brushed himself off and stayed in the game to deliver another insurance RBI in the 8'th.  Not every CF makes that play.

Curt Casali C- 1 for 2, BB.  BA= .500.  Casali was signed before the game today to stabilize a reeling catching position.  He scored ahead of YtY's HR and generally looked much more in command behind the plate than we've seen since Patrick Bailey hit the IL.  Good move by FZ!

Logan Webb RHP- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K's, GO/AO= 6/3.  ERA= 3.03.  About as solid a starting pitching performance as you are going to get against the Dodgers.  

Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(7).  ERA= 3.18.  Doval seems to have found another level with his FB blowing 102 MPH FB's on the corners by batters.  Makes his slider so much more effective.  

With the Win, the Giants close to just 1.5 games behind in the Wild Card race.

The Win also helps the Giants enjoy their day off at home.  They open a series against the Rockies on Friday with Kyle Harrison LHP facing Ryan Feltner RHP.

Churn Watch:  

As noted above, Curt Casali was signed to MLB contract before the game with Jakson Reetz C optioned to AAA Sacramento and Tom Murphy C transferred to the 60-day IL to make room on the 40-man roster.

Keaton Winn's arm injury was diagnosed as a mild forearm strain.  He'll likely miss some time but no formal move has been announced yet.

Down on the Farm: 5/14/2024

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Oklahoma City Baseball Club(Dodgers) 3-1:

Ismael Munguia RF- 2 for 5, HR(1).  BA= .247.

Trenton Brooks 1B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .264.

Drew Cavanaugh C- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .462.

Carson Seymour RHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K's, GO/AO= 5/1.  ERA= 4.72.

Clay Helvey RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.37.

Justin Garza RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 0.82.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels vs Reading Fightin' Phils Postponed due to weather.

A+:  Everett Aquasox topped the Eugene Emeralds 3-2(10 innings): 

Quinn McDaniel 2B- 2 for 4, 2 2B.  BA= .310.

Rodolfo Nolasco RF- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(1).  BA= .250.

Manuel Mercedes RHP- 4.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 5 K's, GO/AO= 7/1.  ERA= 6.59.

Seth Corry LHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 1.15.

Julio Rodriguez RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.05.

Nolasco recently acquired from the Pirates for Daulton Jefferies RHP.

A:  Modesto Nuts beat the San Jose Giants 7-3:

Charlie Szykowny 3B- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .400.

Austin Strickland RHP- 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 0.00.

ACL:  Giants outlasted the Royals 11-10(11 innings):

Javier Castillo C- 1 for 4, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .200.

Ramon Peralta 2B- 1 for 4, 3B, BB.  BA= .333.

Jediael Maduro 1B- 2 for 5.  BA= .333.

Eliam Sandoval RF- 2 for 5, 3B.  BA= .400.

Trevor McDonald RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 0.00.

Someone was asking about Trevor McDonald.  Well, here he is starting a rehab assignment.

Game Wrap 5/14/2024: Dodgers 10 Giants 2

Keaton Winn once again looked good for three innings before falling apart in the fourth, this time exiting the game with an apparent injury in the 5'th inning.  By that time it was all over but the shouting as the saying goes.  Key Lines:  

Mike Yastrzemski RF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .212.   2 hits tonight but batting just .182 over his last 7 games and his last 15 games.  The two hits did not figure into the scoring.

Heliot Ramos LF- 1 for 4.  BA= .320.  Ramos drove in 1 of the Giants 2 runs and continues to be a bright spot since his call up,

Luis Matos CF- 2 for 4.  BA= .250.  Matos drove in the Giants other run.  He also committed an error in CF and generally continued to look lost out there.   Giants need to find someone who can defend CF.

Casey Schmitt SS- 2 for 4.  BA= .158.  Maybe this will get Schmitt going?  With these two hits he is 3 for 19 with 0 BB since his call up.

Randy Rodriguez RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.52.  More electric stuff from Randy who should be seeing more high leverage work pretty soon.

Nick Avila RHP- 2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 9.31.  I've been as intrigued as anyone by Avila's work in the minors but he looked like he was pitching batting practice to the Dodgers on mop up time.

The Giants fall 10 games off the Dodgers pace in the NL West but remain just 2.5 games out of the final Wild Card playoff spot.

Logan Webb RHP tries to get the Giants their first win of the season over the Dodgers tomorrow evening.

Churn Watch:

More bad news on the injury front.  We noted Keaton Winn's early exit in the intro.  

Not surprisingly, Jung Hoo Lee's MRI showed structural damage to his left shoulder.  He'll get a second opinion from Dr Neil El Attrache which likely means he's been advised to have surgery which would likely end his season.

Patrick Bailey C went back on the concussion list and Marco Luciano SS was recalled from AAA Sacramento prior to tonight's game.

And finallly Jorge Soler DH was taking batting practice before tonight's game and a foul ball ricocheted off the batting cage and hit him in the back of the head.  Yikes! What is going on?