The results have been frustrating, but the process looks strong. The San Francisco Giants' offense has struggled to score runs in the first four games of the season, but they've also been rather unlucky. Just last night, the Giants had two so-called Barrels, or batted balls with at least a .500 expected AVG and 1.500 expected SLG, and both of them were caught. Darin Ruf's deep drive to left-center looked like it might change the game in the Giants' favor, but Jurickson Profar made an incredible catch to rob extra bases and keep runs off the board.
Through it all, the Giants are still 2-2. And their approach has been solid. They've chased pitches at the 8th-lowest rate in the majors, and hit the ball hard at the 8th-highest rate. That should lead to improved offensive results. Joey Bart has been a shining example of plate discipline, in an unexpected turn. It's a critical key for Bart, who's already walked more times in 11 plate appearances in 2022 than he did in 111 plate appearances in 2020. If he can keep that up, it could unlock Bart's full All-Star potential.
Tyler Rogers had another Tyler Rogers inning, although Brandon Crawford and Rogers himself didn't do him any favors with a couple of defensive misplays. Mike Yastrzemski made a couple of sensational catches and finally notched his first hit of the year. Joc Pederson had a big bunt hit. He and Brandon Belt have been bunting like crazy, and it's great to see since opposing teams are essentially giving them a free single. Expect to see the Giants continue to exploit that. Tonight Giants fans will get their first look at Alex Cobb, who goes up against the Padres' Opening Day starter, Yu Darvish.
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The best daily San Francisco Giants podcast. Whether the Giants are winning championships or retooling for another title run, Locked On Giants host Ben Kaspick—a lifelong Giants fan and former contributor for RotoGraphs and Beyond the Box Score—breaks down every game, rumor, and transaction in a way that's data-driven and rational but also simple, passionate, and accessible to all.
Follow Ben Kaspick on Twitter, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the San Francisco Giants and talking with fans.
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