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The story of the San Francisco Giants has been a growing lineup of stars underperforming through the first third of the 2025 MLB season.
Meanwhile, the team as a whole has overachieved in many ways, as the Giants didn’t enter the season with high expectations.
Despite a harsh series sweep by the Detroit Tigers earlier this week, the Giants have maintained a competitive start, entering June above the .500 mark.
They haven’t scored more than four runs in their last 11 games; that’s led to a 5-6 record. However, those five narrow victories reveal one of the team’s best strengths.
San Francisco has a stellar bullpen, and the dynamic trio of Camilo Doval, Randy Rodriguez, and Tyler Rogers have performed at All-Star caliber.
Giants Can Make Run With Top Relieving Trio
An MLB-high 42 games decided by three runs or fewer have tested the Giants. They’re 21-21 through those games — but not because of the bullpen.
While San Francisco hasn’t been able to amass many leads as of late, they boast a 21-2 record when they lead after six innings thanks to clutch play by its relief staff.
The bullpen’s 2.48 ERA is the lowest in the MLB, and the trio of Doval, Rodriguez, and Rogers are perhaps the most consistent performers on the roster.
While relievers face a challenging task to be selected to the All-Star team, Alex Pavlovic from NBC Sports Bay Area maintains that Doval, Rodriguez, and Rogers represent "real candidates" in this group.
In 2023, Doval was the first Giants reliever to make the team since Sergio Romo in 2013. Given the roster requirements, including that each team must have at least one representative, it may be unfeasible to argue for that much representation for San Francisco.
However, they’ve been nothing short of difference-makers through the Giants' recent slump.
Rodriguez has a 0.73 ERA with 18 ERA- that is No. 3 in the league. In 24.2 innings pitched, he has only allowed two runs and one homer, with 36 strikeouts to three balls.
His 12.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio is the best among relievers in baseball, as he’s striking out 40% of batters and walking 3.3%.
Rogers carries a 1.78 ERA and leads the team with 26 appearances. He’s pitched 25.1 innings and has allowed five runs and two home runs with 24 strikeouts to 3 balls.
His 8.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio is No. 8 in baseball, and he is nearly striking out a batter per inning pitched at his best rate since 2020.
Doval has been a strong anchor for the unit as he carries a 1.16 ERA and hasn’t allowed a run since April 7. He was just moved back into the closer role.
Doval has pitched 23.1 innings and has allowed six runs and zero homers, while recording 20 strikeouts to 8 walks.
The key with Doval is improvement, as he’s nearly cut his walk rate (9.3%) in half from last season (14.4%). Hitters are batting .117 against him, the lowest in his career.
Without the bullpen San Francisco boasts, it’s tough to fathom they’d be anywhere near the success they’ve seen through the season.
Should the Giants put together a postseason run, they may very well look back on these three as the MVPs of that campaign.
More must-reads:
- King of New York: Pete Alonso breaks major Mets all-time record
- Astros' playoff push dealt significant blow
- The 'American League WAR leaders' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Brewers officially have a legit MVP candidate
On Tuesday night, the Milwaukee Brewers extended their winning streak to 11 games, and a key part of the team's momentum is a player who is in the National League MVP race. The red-hot Brewers entered Tuesday night facing one of the biggest threats to their winning streak, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes. Milwaukee torched Skenes for two home runs and four earned runs in 4.0 innings pitched. Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn added extra damage in the sixth inning with a three-run home run that increased Milwaukee's lead to 12-0. Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Vaughn is in the NL MVP race after his home run on Tuesday night. "Andrew Vaughn suddenly in top 10 NL MVP discussion with another 3-run HR, giving him 32 RBI since joining the Brewers," Nightengale posted on X. "He is the gift that keeps on giving from the White Sox. They are about to go 24-4 since his arrival." Vaughn has helped the Brewers overrun and then take a commanding lead on the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Following their 14-0 win Tuesday night, the Brewers extended their lead to 7.5 games over the Cubs for first place. Vaughn is turning out to be a steal for the Brewers, as Milwaukee only gave up veteran pitcher Aaron Civale and cash considerations for the first baseman on June 13. While Vaughn might have a case to be in the top 10, he has much work before he becomes a legitimate contender for the NL MVP. Per FanDuel, Los Angeles Dodgers star slugger Shohei Ohtani leads the race with -20000 odds. Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber is second with +1800 odds. Those two players have been more consistent this season, whereas Vaughn has come on strong since leaving Chicago.
Celtics' ownership move should concern Lakers governor Jeanie Buss
Lakers governor Jeanie Buss is supposed to remain in charge of the team for years even after the sale. Given what just happened with the Boston Celtics, it might only be months. When the Grousbeck family sold the Celtics for $6.1B in March, ESPN reported that Wyc Grousbeck would stay on as the Celtics CEO and governor through the 2027-28 season. Now, new owner Bill Chisholm will take over once the sale is final. That should concern current Lakers team governor Jeanie Buss, whose family sold a majority interest in the Los Angeles Lakers to investor Mark Walter. Buss is supposed to stay on as team governor for "at least a number of years," according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, but new NBA owners haven't been keen on waiting to take control of teams recently. Mark Cuban thought he would continue running the Dallas Mavericks when he sold a controlling interest to the Adelson family in November 2023. Before the end of that season, when Dallas advanced to the NBA Finals, new team governor Patrick Dumont, the son-in-law of Miriam Adelson, was firmly in charge. General manager Nico Harrison reported directly to Dumont, which is how Luka Doncic ended up traded to the Lakers despite Cuban's objections. It might be different with the Lakers. Walter has owned a minority share in the Lakers since 2021, so he's had a working relationship with Buss. Her role as team governor may be a condition of the sale itself. With the team preparing for a long-term future with Doncic, Walter and his fellow owners might opt for continuity in the team governor role. But in general, people do not spend billions of dollars on a professional sports team so that someone else can be in charge. Buss is in charge of the Lakers now. Recent history says she won't be for long.
Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Makes Direct Statement About Mason Rudolph's Spot On QB Depth Chart
The Pittsburgh Steelers have quite an interesting quarterback room for the 2025 season. Of course, all the focus is truly on Aaron Rodgers and what he can bring to the team at this stage in his career. Behind him, the Steelers have Mason Rudolph serving as the primary backup. Skylar Thompson and Will Howard are competing for the third spot on the depth chart, but unfortunately for Howard, an injury has slowed his progress. Thompson took advantage of the opportunity, performing well in the first preseason game and possibly reclaiming the QB3 role. Before his injury, Howard had previously moved ahead of Thompson in the competition. Former teammate of Rudolph, Ben Roethlisberger, recently shared his honest thoughts about the veteran quarterback’s performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Roethlisberger, who spent years with Rudolph during his time in Pittsburgh, had a unique perspective on how his former understudy handled the game. While Roethlisberger acknowledged there were some areas where Rudolph could improve, he also praised his composure, decision-making, and ability to move the offense when needed. Roethlisberger discussed Rudolph’s performance on his Footbahlin podcast, noting that the veteran looked confident and in control despite limited opportunities. "You know I thought Mason [Rudolph] played really well," Roethlisberger said on his podcast. "I thought he did exactly what you would hope to see from your backup quarterback. He went out there I think, he solidified himself… as the two." He pointed out that Rudolph’s familiarity with the Steelers’ system allows him to step in without disrupting the flow of the offense. With Rodgers leading the way, Rudolph providing a steady backup presence, and the QB3 competition between Thompson and Howard continuing, the Steelers’ quarterback depth will be a storyline worth following as the 2025 season approaches. "Let’s see how he does this week and the next week," Roethlisberger said. "I thought he played really well. I thought he was efficient with the ball. He threw the ball down the field. As a team, you like seeing that because that gives you confidence going into the season that if something were to happen one game for Aaron… you have a guy that you feel confident who could go in there. Same thing when we had Charlie Batch, you had Bruce Gradkowski, you had Byron Leftwich, you had Dennis Dixon and Josh Dobbs. Any of those guys. You just feel confident he can go in and just get it done for you." Roethlisberger had high praise for Rudolph, and hearing him mention him alongside names like Charlie Batch shows he has faith in Rudolph’s ability to be a reliable backup in Pittsburgh. There is a strong argument that Rudolph is one of the most dependable backup quarterbacks in the NFL, which is a significant asset for the Steelers in the 2025 season. Steelers' Mason Rudolph Has Great Preseason Game Versus Jaguars Rudolph only attempted 10 passes on Saturday night against the Jaguars, but completed 90 percent of them. He threw for 84 yards and one touchdown. While preseason football can be difficult to evaluate, he performed well in roughly a quarter and some change of action. His efficiency and composure reinforced the notion that the Steelers have one of the league’s most steady and trustworthy backup quarterbacks heading into the regular season. Roethlisberger is confident Rudolph has now locked up his spot as QB2 for the 2025 season. Steelers fans are now super eager to get updates on when Howard will be back from his injury. Howard and Thompson will fight for the QB3 spot. What grade would you give Rudolph for his preseason outing against the Jaguars?
Lady Gaga's Heartbreak Over Ozzy Osbourne's Death Revealed After Lavish Gift To Sharon
Najee Harris may have role reduced after fireworks accident
Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris still has yet to return to action after a July 4 fireworks accident, and it sounds like he does not necessarily have a job guaranteed to him when he does. Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman admitted Tuesday that the team is planning a steady rotation at running back whether or not Harris is available to play in Week 1. First-round draft pick Omarion Hampton, however, is the player who has part of the rotation locked down, not Harris. The Chargers likely intended to use Harris as a part-time back no matter what. However, he certainly cannot have helped himself with his eye injury. The issue was described as superficial after it happened and Harris was expected to be ready for the season, but he is still on the non-football injury list and has yet to participate in a full practice. Harris, 27, is entering his first season with the Chargers after signing with them in March. He can earn up to $9.25 million on his one-year deal, but that will require him to remain part of the rotation with Hampton.
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