There's something special about these 2023 San Francisco Giants. They've got rookies providing a serious spark, and they've got a comeback spirit that has led to some dramatic wins. But none were bigger than yesterday's heroics provided by Mike Yastrzemski. Down to their last strike—and down 0-2 in the count—Yaz took some tough pitches and fouled one off, and on a 2-2 count he got a fastball over the heart of the plate and did not miss. Yastrzemski blasted one high and deep to right that was a no-doubter off the bat. The SF Giants had tied the game, and they went on to win 8-5 in extra innings. It was arguably the Giants' best win of they year, and it puts them four games over .500 and two games up in a playoff spot. Important, because the SF Giants are about to go through a very tough portion of the schedule.

Luis Matos made his major league debut in yesterday's game. He singled in his first at-bat, and hit somewhat soft lineouts in his next two. Matos is an extremely intriguing prospect, and he became the majors' second-youngest position player. But in the seventh inning, representing the tying run, Giants manager Gabe Kapler pinch hit for Matos. That was sure to make many fans upset, but it was a special circumstance and doesn't mean Matos will be platooned. To the contrary, he almost certainly won't be platooned. Don't read too much into the special circumstance of yesterday's pinch hit decision.

Anthony DeSclafani continued to struggle. Over his last many starts, he has an ERA in the 6.00s. DeSclafani had started out the year so well for the Giants, but has fallen off a lot recently, and yesterday was more of the same. Outside of Logan Webb and Alex Cobb (who's also struggled a bit recently), the SF Giants' starting staff has become problematic. The Giants have had success in bullpen games, but it's becoming clear that starting pitching may be the Giants' biggest need as the trade deadline approaches.

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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.

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenKaspick

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