The San Francisco Giants' struggles continued Tuesday with a 3-2 defeat against the Kansas City Royals, pushing them to a season-worst 17 games below .500. This marks the Giants' fourth consecutive loss since the All-Star break and their sixth losing streak of four or more games this season. The team now sits at 42-59, a standing not seen since the franchise's difficult 2017 season.
Pitching and Trade Value
Starter Tyler Mahle, who could be a trade candidate before the August 3 deadline, delivered a performance that was solid but inefficient. He allowed three runs over 5 1/3 innings, walking one and hitting two batters. Mahle, who is set to be a free agent after the season, threw 91 pitches and departed without recording an out in the sixth inning, raising his earned run average to 5.31. Manager Tony Vitello acknowledged that while Mahle looked good, "unfortunate[ly] a couple free bases there to end it." Mahle stated his focus is simple: "I’m just trying to pitch better."
Relief pitcher Sam Hentges inherited a bases-loaded jam from Mahle but allowed Vinnie Pasquantino's game-tying hit and then hit another batter, forcing Vitello to bring in Keaton Winn. Winn gave up the go-ahead run on a ground ball single that scored two inherited runners.
Offensive Strategy and Lineup Decisions
In a move to protect potential trade assets, the Giants held out Luis Arraez, their top trade candidate, for the sixth time this season. Arraez has been hampered by a right foot injury. Despite having the potential tying run on second base in the seventh inning, Arraez was not used as a pinch hitter, with Vitello explaining, "Game on the line with a runner in scoring position. Pretty much that was the conversation."
On-Field Frustrations
The Giants also expressed frustration with several umpire calls throughout the game. The team's dugout was warned to quiet down early on due to "chirping." A check-swing call against Willy Adames in the second inning, which resulted in a strikeout, particularly irked the Giants. Adames was also involved in a play in the sixth inning where the Giants believed there was catcher's interference on a swing, but a video review upheld the on-field no-call.
Player Performance
While the team struggled, rookie Bryce Eldridge continued to get on base, extending his streak of safely reaching base to 53 games since his call-up on May 4. However, Eldridge has experienced a recent increase in strikeouts. In 16 games in July, he has struck out 24 times with nine walks, a higher strikeout rate compared to his previous 27 games.
Upcoming Schedule
The Giants will conclude their series against the Royals on Wednesday before returning home to host the Los Angeles Angels. San Francisco's 9-17 record in interleague play is the worst in Major League Baseball.