San Francisco Giants fans have been clamoring for a star and for players to get attached to for a long time. Patrick Bailey may be both. Bailey is a game-changing defender, and we keep getting reminded of it pretty much every time he's behind home plate for the SF Giants. Patrick Bailey got two huge outs in the Giants' one-run win against the D-backs last night, throwing out the potential tying run trying to steal second in the eighth, and picking off the potential tying run to end the game in the ninth. Bailey is playing at a 6-WAR pace, per FanGraphs, despite slightly below-average offensive numbers. His defense has been that good.

The Giants' quiet trade deadline is revisited. Some fans are understandably irked by the team's inactivity (outside of acquiring A.J. Pollock), but the Giants' behavior is understandable. They're close to getting Thairo Estrada and Mitch Haniger back from their injuries. Brandon Crawford has returned, and he hit a crucial game-tying home run last night. They've debuted Marco Luciano so he should be in the middle infield mix moving forward. Luis Matos is heating up at the plate. The pitching quietly has the second-best ERA in MLB since May 1 (the day after the insane Mexico City series).

Luciano was demoted to Triple-A to make room for Pollock on the Giants' roster. Luciano will work on playing some second base in Sacramento, which should help provide coverage if Estrada misses time again. Lefty-hitting outfielder Wade Meckler was promoted to Triple-A. Meckler was a 2022 draftee, so he's moved very fast. He was hitting very well in Double-A and could be an outfield option down the stretch. SF Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi also said that Kyle Harrison is likely to debut soon after recovering from a moderate hamstring strain.

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

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!

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 more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices