Kevin Gausman, the only sub-two-ERA pitcher in MLB – since deGrom has been deactivated – has not looked quite right since the All-Star Break. He and his family had a medical emergency immediately after the ASG, which we have been told was ‘complications with Taylor Gausman’s pregnancy.’ Kevin’s wife was then reported to be back at home and recuperating.

I know sometimes I seem lacking in compassion, but I am far more concerned about the health of the guys and their families than a slip in performance. It isn’t my business. But as a fan, when things happen with the guys off the field, I do feel compassion and concern for them. Baseball’s a game. Life is filled with far-more important matters. My best wishes to Taylor, Kevin and the Gausman family. Take whatever time you need.

The let down against the Pirates I predicted after the crazy series in LA that ended the road trip, has come to pass. I think we all know the Dodgers are coming to town on Tuesday and that every win against them is worth two half-clicks in the standings. Still, I really want the Giants to tighten up and win today’s outing.

I’m not even going to write up the last two games. Suffice it to say we lost the first two and are at risk of being swept by the Bucs at home. Mike Tauchman had to pitch in the ninth last night. It was bad. But also, kind of a throw away approach by staff at the end of a ten-game stretch. That’s cool. We’re in first place with the best record in baseball, I really, genuinely don’t mind.

Alex Wood (8-3, 3.77 ERA, 94 K), takes the mound for the orange-and-black this afternoon against J.T. Brubaker (4-9, 4.68 ERA, 93), for the Pirates. I do expect us to win today. I’d like to go into the off-day with a win and I want the Dodgers at least two games back when they come into town.

Today’s Lineup: La Monte Wade, Jr., Donavon Solano, Alex Dickerson, Darin Ruf, Wilmer Flores, Steven Duggar, Thairo Estrada, Curt Casali

My two favorite new Giants:

In the video I made last post, I discussed my two favorite new Giants, Jay Jackson and LaMonte Wade, Jr. It was a good week for both of them. I really love Wade, Jr., in the lead-off spot and Jackson has been just amazing in relief.

Brebbia Watch

John Brebbia, who has disappointed me, was charged with proving himself last night – sent in for the struggling Gausman, who left in the 5th with runners on. Brebbia promptly gave up a two-run single, tagging Gausman’s ERA. sigh. He managed to go the rest of the fifth and the sixth without giving up another run, but the damage had been done. I’m not saying it’s his fault, but since Brebbia joined the team we have lost every game in which he has faced more than one batter. Again, not blaming him, but he seems to be amidst the collapses a lot lately.

Brandons Injury Report [credit: MLBTR]

Brandon Crawford began baseball activities yesterday. Not in the lineup today, I think we can safely say he will be starting against the Dodgers next week.

Brandon Belt may be close to a rehab assignment. He ran the bases yesterday, working his way back from knee inflammation. Belt told reporters, including Jon Shea, that he feels “way better than I thought I was going to feel at this point.” There was consideration of knee surgery when he initially hurt his knee almost exactly one month ago.

I can see Longoria, Crawford and Belt in the lineup together by mid-August, based on this feedback.

2B – Would Wade, Jr. play second, has he ever? Or would it be Solano? Wilmer? LaStella?

Everyday I check the Trade Rumor Mill now.

2021 NL West Standings