While the San Francisco Giants are contending for a postseason spot, their season has unfolded in an unexpected fashion. The team’s broader narrative aligns with preseason projections: a competitive squad whose elite run prevention compensates for a struggling offense. The specifics, however, have been surprising.
Few predicted an All-Star nod for Randy Rodríguez, Logan Webb’s emergence as a strikeout pitcher, or Justin Verlander’s struggles. The midseason acquisition of Rafael Devers was another major twist. As the Giants enter the second half, three key storylines will determine their fate.
### Where Will the Runs Come From?
The Giants’ offensive hopes hinge on the health and production of Rafael Devers. The team’s new designated hitter has battled back and groin tightness, which may explain his lackluster performance since the trade. For the Giants to reach their potential, they need Devers to become the powerful middle-of-the-order threat he was acquired to be.
With Matt Chapman’s return from injury, the lineup is closer to full strength, but consistency remains elusive. The Giants have All-Star potential in Devers, Chapman, Heliot Ramos, and Willy Adames, and they hope for a resurgence from Jung Hoo Lee. The key will be getting multiple hitters to produce simultaneously.
Reinforcements from the minor leagues appear unlikely. Jerar Encarnación struggled with an overly aggressive approach before his injury, and while prospects Bryce Eldridge and Marco Luciano possess power, they are not immediate solutions. Casey Schmitt will have an opportunity to secure the second-base job, but he will need to demonstrate he can contribute offensively.
### How Will the Giants Manage the Rotation?
The Giants face crucial decisions regarding their starting pitchers, particularly the workload of their rookies. Hayden Birdsong, who has struggled with his command recently, has thrown 65 2/3 innings, closing in on his professional career high of 100 2/3. The team may need to manage his innings carefully down the stretch by skipping starts or providing extra rest.
Keaton Roupp, 26, is also in unfamiliar territory. He has logged 96 1/3 innings, nearing his single-season high of 107 1/3. Despite his limited history as a starter, Roupp has been one of the team’s most reliable arms with a 2.44 ERA in 13 starts since May, making his management a delicate balance.
The team’s most veteran starter, Justin Verlander, presents a different challenge. The issue is not his workload but his effectiveness. Despite a strong final outing before the All-Star break, he has been the rotation’s least effective pitcher for much of the season. Verlander will continue to get starts, but his performance will be under scrutiny until it improves.
### What is the Trade Deadline Strategy?
Having already completed one of the most significant trades in franchise history for Devers, the Giants are unlikely to make another blockbuster move. Instead, they will focus on smaller deals to address specific needs on the roster.
Improving a lifeless offense remains the top priority. While the team hopes Devers will become a solution, they could still use more lineup depth to buffer against inevitable slumps. The most pressing need, however, may be in the bullpen for a left-handed reliever, a weakness exposed further by Erik Miller’s injury. First base is another area that could be addressed if Devers is not seen as the long-term solution there.
A distant third priority is acquiring another starting pitcher. Adding a solid arm behind Webb and Robbie Ray would take pressure off both Verlander and the rookie pitchers, helping the club manage workloads and providing valuable insurance for the stretch run.
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