The San Francisco Giants entered the season with so many starting pitchers that it wasn't clear how they'd fit them all. At the season's halfway point, however, the Giants really only have two starting pitchers they could truly rely upon. Logan Webb and Alex Cobb put together All-Star-worthy first halves (even though Webb was snubbed from the All-Star game ... again). But newcomers Sean Manaea and Ross Stripling struggled mightily out of the gates, and Anthony DeSclafani and Alex Wood were inconsistent.
The SF Giants' "bullpen" was extremely non-traditional. Camilo Doval was ultra reliable at the back end, and Tyler and Taylor Rogers also provided strong performances in a traditional role, but pretty much everyone else was either inconsistent, injured, or unorthodox. Manaea improved mightily when used out of the 'pen, and is making a strong case to move back into the starting rotation. Tristan Beck was strong in a bulk innings role. Scott Alexander, John Brebbia, and Luke Jackson were good when healthy.
Projecting forward, it's anyone's guess as to how things will play out for the Giants. We know Webb and Cobb will anchor the rotation as long as they're healthy, but it's unclear who exactly will claim the remaining spots or whether the SF Giants will continue to rely heavily on bullpen games, which was largely a successful strategy in the first half. It's also worth keeping an eye on young players like Keaton Winn, Kyle Harrison, Carson Whisenhunt, and Mason Black to see if they get an opportunity and make an impact for the Giants in the second half—and hopefully in the playoffs.
Find and follow Locked On Giants on your favorite podcast platforms:
? Apple Podcasts http://apple.co/3ycRK3U
? Spotify http://spoti.fi/3Bak0pN
? Google Play https://bit.ly/3D356mr
? Overcast https://bit.ly/3wqZsbg
? Megaphone https://bit.ly/3wGGcXD
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.
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick
#SFGiants #FirstListen
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
birddogs
Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONMLB or enter promo code LOCKEDONMLB for a free Yeti style tumbler with your order. You won’t want to take your birddogs off we promise you.
eBay Motors
For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase.
FanDuel
Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.
Sleeper
Download the Sleeper app and use promo code LOCKEDON and you'll get up to a $100 match on your first deposit. Terms and conditions apply. See Sleeper’s Terms of Use for details. Currently operational in over 30 states. Check out Sleeper today!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Learn mor