Taking stock of the Giants’ first half

This story was excerpted from Maria Guardado’s Giants Beat publication. To learn the complete publication, click here. And subscribe to get it repeatedly in your inbox.

The Giants had been examined by accidents, a difficult journey schedule and a streaky offense within the first half, however they really feel they’re in a great spot popping out of the All-Star break.

At 47-41, the Giants are 2 1/2 video games out of first place within the National League Westgiving them a 58.6 p.c probability of constructing the playoffs, in line with FanGraphs.

After taking a while to recharge, San Francisco will look to maintain constructing momentum on Friday evening, when it kicks off an 11-game, four-city street journey at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

“I believe we’ve grinded lots all through the primary half,” right-hander Logan Webb mentioned. “I don’t suppose we actually had a wholesome crew your complete time. I believe after we had a totally wholesome crew, that’s sort of like after we went on that 10-game win streak. We all know we’re a extremely good crew, and we’re simply going to maintain grinding away till we get totally wholesome. When that occurs, the sky’s the restrict. I believe all of us really feel that in right here. I believe it’s a great feeling. I believe we’re able to get slightly break and hopefully get some guys again quickly and get again to it.”

What we realized within the first half
One of many greatest storylines thus far has been the arrival of a promising class of rookies, most notably catcher Patrick Bailey, who’s trying like the brand new inheritor obvious to Buster Posey.

Bailey has been a revelation since debuting with the Giants in Might, batting .293/.324/.493 with 5 residence runs and 26 RBIs over 40 video games. San Francisco is 23-13 when Bailey begins behind the plate, the clearest indication of the impression he’s made in his quick time within the Majors. Whereas he’s offered a key increase along with his bat, Bailey’s calling card stays his glove, as he’s posted a 38% caught stealing price and rapidly gained over the belief of the pitching employees along with his game-calling and framing expertise.

Bailey’s emergence creates questions on former high prospect Joey Bart’s future with the group, however the Giants imagine there’s a situation by which each catchers find yourself again on the 26-man roster, particularly now that Bart is heating up at Triple-A Sacramento.

Probably Commerce Deadline technique: Keep opportunistic
The Giants are comfy with their beginning pitching depth, however they’ll possible proceed to observe the marketplace for frontline arms, as Webb and Alex Cobb have been the one true constants within the rotation this season. With Thairo Estrada anticipated to overlook 4 to 6 weeks with a left hand fracture, the Giants may additionally search out center infield assist, particularly if rookies Casey Schmitt and Brett Correctly don’t get going offensively within the coming weeks.

Key participant: Estrada
A borderline All-Star, Estrada was batting .272/.327/.434 with 9 residence runs and a team-high 18 stolen bases earlier than breaking his hand on a hit-by-pitch on July 2. The 27-year-old Venezuelan had slowed down on the plate main as much as the harm, however he nonetheless continued to supply worth by way of his protection, rating first amongst Main League second basemen with 11 Outs Above Common this season. Given a few of their offensive inconsistencies, the Giants will probably be relying on Estrada to make a speedy restoration and regain the elite manufacturing he confirmed initially of the season.

The Giants may additionally get a late increase from high free-agent acquisition Mitch Haniger, who is anticipated to be out till a minimum of September with a proper forearm fracture.

Prospect to look at: LHP Kyle Harrison (No. 1)
Harrison was scheduled to signify the Giants on the 2023 All-Star Futures Sport, however he ended up skipping the occasion because of a “average” proper hamstring pressure. The harm is prone to delay Harrison’s arrival to the Majors, however the Giants nonetheless count on the 21-year-old lefty to hitch their rotation combine in some unspecified time in the future within the second half.