The third and fourth place teams in the Western Division face off this week. The 24-17 Giants are limping home from a losing road trip, after being swept in the Twin Cities. The 21-20 Snakes just finished splitting a 4 game set against the dodgers. Series specifics:
• Monday, 6:45, RHP Merrill Kelly (3-2, 4.09) vs. Justin Verlander (0-2, 4.50)
• Tuesday, 6:45, RHP Brandon Pfaadt (6-2, 3.28) vs. Robbie Ray (5-0, 2.84)
• Wednesday, 12:45, LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (1-3, 6.86) vs Jordan Hicks (1-4, 5.82)
Thursday will be the first off-day in San Francisco for our guys in a very long time.
The season is now 25% complete, and there are a number of Giants who are not hitting very well. The team often makes moves when they open a home stand, and this might be the time for a few. Although there is no concrete word on Casey Schmitt’s oblique status, he is doing some preparations for a return. He might return before Jerar Encarnacion, whose 60-day status allows him to play for the first time on May 23rd. First base would appear to be wide open, and Jerar opened his rehab stint this weekend with a single and a double in two AB on Wednesday. Catching is also a position nearly void of offense.
But left field was very productive! In the Twins series, Ramos went 6 for 8 with a walk and a HBP, that’s reaching 80% of the time. He scored twice, drove in 5, and did not strike out. He also made two diving catches at key points Sunday. He tried his best, the pickoff Saturday and the caught stealing Sunday notwithstanding. A very easy choice for Picture of the Post. Here’s are his Sunday catches: https://www.mlb.com/giants/video/landen-roupp-in-play-out-s-to-ryan-jeffers?t=t137-default-vtp and https://www.mlb.com/giants/video/landen-roupp-in-play-run-s-to-byron-buxton-x4929?t=t137-default-vtp
Torey Lovullo’s team:
🐍 1B Josh Naylor (23 RBI), 2B Ketel Marte (5), SS Geraldo Perdomo (30), 3B Eugenio Suarez (27)
🌵 RF Corbin Carroll (28), CF Alek Thomas (13), LF Lourdes Gurriel Jr (25)
🐍 C Gabriel Moreno (9), DH Pavin Smith (10)
🏜 rotation Zac Gallen (3-5, 4.59), Merrill Kelly, Brandon Pfaadt, Eduardo Rodriguez, Corbin Burnes (2-1, 2.95)
🐍 closer by committee: Shelby Miller, Kevin Ginkel, Ryne Nelson
Ketel Marte came back from the injured list about ten days ago. AJ Puk (elbow) and Jordan Montgomery (UCL) are on the 60-day list, Montgomery’s next pitch will be thrown for another team on another contract. Corbin Burnes has some shoulder issues, for the moment, being dealt with by skipping a turn.
Arizona’s team batting average is 0.249 with 54 total homers, and 205 runs scored. 305 SO
San Francisco is batting 0.231 with 41 homers and 185 runs. 343 SO.
Staff ERA for the Diamondbacks is 4.51, 132 walks, 200 runs allowed.
Team ERA for the Giants is 3.37, 127 walks, 149 opponents have scored.
Sunday’s games not included. Both teams will view this as a very crucial series.
