It is hard to believe we are almost at August.This is where we will start seeing some separation of teams that are truly playoff contenders and those that are going to start looking at next year.
We know the trade deadline is in just a few days, so that will be the first indication of who is giving up and who wants to advance.We have one team that will certainly sell - the Giants - taking on a team that might sell or might buy - the Padres.The San Francisco Giants haven't had really anything go the way they wanted this season.
Despite making some good additions and having some very good players on the roster, they just can't seem to make this team work.It is a bit crazy because the team is hitting with a .254 batting average, good for sixth in the league.
They just aren't scoring many runs.They are 21st in the league at 457.
Their slugging percentage is among the best in baseball, but their on-base percentage is 23rd.It just really doesn't make much sense.San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (26) throws to first base but can’t get the out on San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) during the fifth inning at Petco Park on April 1, 2026.
(Denis Poroy/Imagn Images)Their pitching does have some issues, and they have a collective 4.36 ERA.Their bullpen struggles and is in the bottom third of the league with a 4.37 ERA.
However, they've had some decent bright spots with people like today's starter Robbie Ray.Despite all the trade rumors around him, Ray is having a solid season with a 9-6 record and a 3.16 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP.
He has struggled away from San Francisco with a 4.35 road ERA compared to just 2.22 at home.He hasn't faced the Padres this season, but he hasn't done great against them, either.
Collectively, San Diego hitters are hitting .273 in 110 at-bats against him.The San Diego Padres are still a winning team, but they are also frustrating because their lineup should be resulting in much better outcomes.The Padres are 55-53 overall...