San Francisco Giants: 3 Keys to Finishing Out Season Strong
Health
Aug 9, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco Giants left fielder Nori Aoki (center) leaves the game after being hit by pitch with the trainer (left) and manager
Bruce Bochy(right) against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
As mentioned earlier, several key Giants players have suffered injuries this season, including Pence, Cain, Peavy, Panik, Aoki, and others. The Giants didn’t have to make any blockbuster trades at the deadline, because they haven’t seen their fully healthy team play in many games together. Even with the injuries, the offense has found a way to be productive throughout the season though, which is impressive.
The starting pitching staff needs some stability, despite the fact that the Giants have so many pitchers who are able to start on their roster. The starting rotation of Bumgarner, Heston, Leake, Cain, and Peavy needs to stay healthy in order for the Giants to have success. There are other pitchers able to step in if necessary, but the Giants need these starters to stay healthy and for Leake to get healthy.
More from Golden Gate Sports
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
Every team will deal with injuries at some point, because that’s a natural part of the game and professional sports in general. The Giants need to stay healthy though, because when they are fully healthy, they’ll have a pretty solid starting rotation and a dangerous lineup up and down the batting order. When healthy, the Giants certainly look like a playoff team that could make some noise in the postseason and potentially end the odd-year curse.
With a little more infield depth on the bench, some more consistency and longer outings from the Giants’ starting pitchers, and a healthy roster, the Giants should be set to make a strong push towards a playoff spot. Even if there is improvement in these areas, the Giants will still have a tough road ahead, but they can only control what they do and how they equip themselves heading into this important stretch of the season.