Marlins at Giants
The All-Star break can’t arrive soon enough for the San Francisco Giants, who face a number of difficult decisions following a dismal first half. The Giants are 20 games under .500 heading into Saturday’s contest against the visiting Miami Marlins, who opened the three-game series Friday by jumping to an early five-run lead and cruising to a 6-1 victory.
The Giants’ rotation will require some changes next weekend to accommodate the return of ace Madison Bumgarner from the disabled list, and the team could look to move veterans such as Eduardo Nunez, Denard Span and Joe Panik this month as they play the unfamiliar role of sellers at the trade deadline. Rookie Austin Slater has provided some welcome stability in left field in recent weeks, but he’s expected to land on the disabled list after aggravating his right hip during Friday’s loss. The Marlins will be sending outfielders Marcell Ozuna and Giancarlo Stanton to Tuesday’s All-Star game, but a strong case could also be made for catcher J.T. Realmuto. The 26-year-old is batting .303 with eight homers and 33 RBIs after going 3-for-4 with a solo blast in Friday’s win.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSN Florida, NBCSN Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Chris O'Grady (NR) vs. Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (4-9, 5.54 ERA)
O'Grady had his contract purchased from Triple-A New Orleans and will make his major-league debut in place of Jeff Locke, who was designated for assignment on Tuesday. “He’s a guy with good command and pretty good pitch ability,” manager Don Mattingly told reporters. “He's competitive. We'll have a good chance to see him with everybody else.” The 26-year-old earned the call after going 3-5 with a 3.29 ERA in 12 games (nine starts) for the Baby Cakes.
Samardzija has been one of the few bright spots for the Giants this season, pitching at least six innings in each of his last six starts while posting a remarkable 38-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio over that stretch. The 32-year-old allowed two runs on six hits over six innings in last Sunday’s 5-3 victory over Pittsburgh. Martin Prado is 2-for-20 against Samardzija, who has gone 5-1 with a 3.43 ERA in 17 career games (eight starts) against the Marlins.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Giants will unveil a plaque on the team’s Wall of Fame in honor of seven-time MVP Barry Bonds before Saturday’s game.
2. Miami placed RHP Edinson Volquez on the disabled list with left knee tendinitis, but the veteran is expected to return immediately after the All-Star break.
3. The Giants placed INF/OF Ryder Jones on the disabled list with a right wrist contusion and activated INF Conor Gillaspie (sore back).