Andrew Baggarly

All the Giants news in one post: Rodriguez is the new closer. McCray recalled to replace Yaz, will be a factor in RF along with Matos. Teng promoted, will start tomorrow. Koss up, Wisely down. Buttó and Tyler Rogers are active and could appear vs. their former teams tonight.

I met Ryne Sandberg just once, when I was 19 and he autographed the jersey I was wearing at a Cubs Convention. I had chances to talk to him during my reporting career but never did. I think it’s because I knew I’d be a fan first and reporter second. RIP and condolences to all who loved him.

Should the Giants trade Camilo Doval? Rival execs think it’s a disservice not to consider it Doval, 28, is under club control through the 2027 season, making him all the more valuable.

Trade deadline chatter from me and @willsammon.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...

Patrick Bailey makes history in Giants’ wild win with inside-the-park walk-off HR Bailey is the first major-league catcher in 99 years to end a game with an inside-the-park home run. He entered the game hitting .188.

Baseball, man.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/648...

Casey Schmitt has been activated from the IL and Tyler Fitzgerald returned to Triple-A Sacramento (where he hit a homer last night -- for the Giants, not for the River Cats ... yes, it's complicated, I know).

Randy Rodríguez, the Giants’ quietest All-Star, is a sweeping success Rodríguez is quiet and unassuming and likes to read classic novels. He also might be the best relief pitcher in baseball.

The Giants are proud to be represented by Logan Webb. They're inspired by Robbie Ray's return to All-Star form after every structure in his elbow was rebuilt. But it was Randy Rodriguez's selection that got the coaching staff a little misty eyed. Here's why: www.nytimes.com/athletic/647...

Part of it is about saving the turf, too. They have two teams playing a full home schedule on that surface (which is in amazing shape, considering). But yeah, the Giants are curious why this is the only Sunday night game on the A's schedule.

Pretty cool not only that a non-closer reliever like Randy Rodriguez made the All-Star team, joining Giants teammates Logan Webb and Robbie Ray, but also that Rodriguez was voted in by the players. Game recognizes game.

Interestingly, Casey Schmitt is playing second base for Sacramento in a rehab game today. Presumably that'll be his avenue to playing time starting Monday, when he is eligible to be activated. (He's 1 for 3 with a run scored thus far.)

It was 77 degrees at first pitch yesterday and the field is in remarkably good shape, actually.

Giants stink up Sacramento as Justin Verlander’s winless streak continues Verlander gave up six runs in three innings, extending his winless streak to 14 starts as a Giant.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/647...

The report on Matt Chapman was positive tonight. He drew a walk in four plate appearances for Triple-A Sacramento at Reno and got a couple grounders at third base. As long as he wakes up tomorrow feeling OK, he'll start at third base for the Giants vs. the A's at ... Sacramento.

Pretty darn candid and revealing comments from Justin Verlander on what's gone wrong and his process for finding a solution. "Frankly embarrassing. ... I'm just not deceptive enough."

The plan is to activate Matt Chapman and bat him in the middle of the lineup tomorrow vs. the A’s at Sacramento, as long as his rehab game in Reno tonight goes well and he comes out of it feeling OK.

Robbie Ray went the distance for the first time since he was a 25-year-old kid in 2017. After two years in Tommy John timeout, he's worked his way back into All-Star form.

(The holiday weekend traffic between Tahoe and Sacramento might be another story.) 🚁

Chapman took BP on the field and hit against a high-velocity machine. His right hand still has some soreness but he says it’s nothing he can’t manage.

Matt Chapman will play for AAA Sacramento at Reno tomorrow. He’s hoping if all goes well he might be activated while the Giants are still in Sacramento playing the A’s this weekend.

Can't fault you for being a beer guy. 🍻

Logan Webb is having his best season with help from an ‘MVP pitch’ that the metrics hate Webb's pitch mix has changed this season and his best pitches are working even better thanks to two that don't grade out that well.

Collaborating with @enosarris.bsky.social is so much fun because he is so curious and enthusiastic. We teamed up to explore how a really good pitcher, Logan Webb, is blending art with science to reach new heights.🎨https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6470150/2025/07/03/logan-webb-sf-giants-cut-fastball/

Giants’ Buster Posey commits to manager Bob Melvin for 2026: ‘Time to show my belief’ However this second season ends, Melvin knows he'll have a shot at a third. His expectation continues to be that it will go well.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...

Posey said Wilmer Flores is at 3B today. Rafael Devers getting time at third is “on the table.”

Buster Posey said conversations about picking up Melvin’s option started a couple weeks ago. He said he’d rather announce it when they’ve been on a winning streak, but he also thinks Melvin is handling this rough patch well

Christian Koss to IL, Matos returns

The Giants have exercised their 2026 option on manager Bob Melvin. You can respond to a tough run by firing people or doubling down on confidence. Buster Posey's choice is pretty obvious here.

It is 113 degrees in Arizona and Tyler Fitzgerald has a locker in the Giants clubhouse. Related note: Casey Schmitt had an MRI on his hand and said the results were good but he doesn’t appear close to taking game swings.

You want me to make stuff up or tell you what I know?

Carson Seymour was scratched tonight for AAA Sacramento. Wouldn’t surprise me if he replaced Sean Hjelle on the roster tomorrow vs CWS.

Don't wanna be accused of Hank Blalock erasure. He had a six-RBI, zero-run game a bit later in the 2003 season as well.

Unless the Twins score exactly 15 runs in the bottom of the ninth to extend this game, Milwaukee's Christian Yelich will set a major league record for most RBIs in a game (8) without scoring a run. Previous record was 6, last done by Paul Bako in 2003. (attn: @jaysonst.bsky.social) 🚨