Series Preview: Pirates at Giants

Having taken the series in Denver, the Pirates (59-56) continue westward for four games against the Pirates of the Pacific.

The Giants sit seven games back of a wild-card spot and in fourth place, 6 1/2 back, in the National League West, neither a wonderful position, nor one as bad as many expected going into the season for the aging team.

San Francisco didn’t make any moves at the trade deadline, holding onto Andrew McCutchen, who watched some interesting Pirates moves from afar.

The Giants have lost four of their last five, including both games of a set with the Astros at home this week.

Season Series: 2-1 Pirates

At Pittsburgh

May 11: Pirates 11, Giants 2

May 12: Pirates 6, Giants 5

May 13: Giants 5, Pirates 0

Schedule

Thursday, 10:15 p.m. — Ivan Nova (6-6, 4.49 ERA) vs. Andrew Suarez (4-7, 4.60); TV: AT&T SportsNet

Friday, 10:15 p.m. — Trevor Williams (9-8, 3.88) vs. Derek Holland (5-8, 3.88); TV: AT&T SportsNet

Saturday, 9:05 p.m. — Joe Musgrove (4-6, 3.41) vs. TBD; TV: AT&T SportsNet

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. — Jameson Taillon (9-8, 3.63) vs. Dereck Rodriguez (5-1, 2.34); TV: AT&T SportsNet

Giants

57-58 (54-61 Pythag, 4.00 RS/G, 4.28 RA/G)

Offense

Andrew McCutchen is who Andrew McCutchen is these days (.261/.357/.418, 12 HR). Gorkys Hernandez (.261/.312/.439, 13 HR) is still starting regularly, which still sounds weird. Alen Hanson (.276/.301/.469, 6 HR) is still a sweetheart.

Brandon Crawford (.278/.346/.435, 11 HR) and the injured Brandon Belt (.278/.372/.470, 14 HR) each have produced 2.7 fWAR to lead Giants position players.

Pitching

Mark Melancon (6.23 K/9, 2.91 BB/9) came back from injury in June and blew four of five save opportunities. He’s working in middle relief, with the excellent Will Smith (12.39 K/9, 2.23 BB/9) closing games. Tony Watson (9.06 K/9, 1.99 BB/9) is enjoying more success among the bullpen faction of ex-Pirates in San Francisco.

The son of Ivan Rodriguez, Dereck Rodriguez (7.52 K/9, 2.22 BB/9) signed with the Giants as a minor-league free agent this past offseason, and has been a pleasant surprise. Derek Holland (9.13 K/9, 3.27 BB/9) has regained some life. TBD is again in line to face the Pirates, this time on just three days rest.

Deal of the Week

This Jerry Garcia Giants bobblehead has been marked down to a mere $188.95.