Robbie Ray’s likely last Giants start before trade deadline vs. Padres
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It’s hard to believe it’s almost August. This is where we’ll start to see some distinctions between the teams that are truly playoff contenders and the teams that will start looking into next year. We know the trade deadline is just a few days away, which will be the first indication of who is giving up and who is looking to move forward. We definitely have a team that will sell: The Giants will take on the Padres, a team that could either sell or buy.
Nothing went the San Francisco Giants’ way this season. Even though they have made some good additions and have some very good players on the roster, they just can’t seem to make this team work. It’s a little crazy because the team has a batting average of .254, good for sixth in the league. They just don’t score many points. They are 21st in the league with 457 points. Their slugging percentage is among the best in baseball, but their on-base percentage is 23rd. It really doesn’t make much sense.
San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (26) throws to first base during the fifth inning at Petco Park on April 1, 2026, but cannot square off against San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2). (Denis Poroy/Imagn Images)
Their pitching has some issues and they have a collective 4.36 ERA. Their bullpen is struggling and is in the bottom third of the league with a 4.37 ERA. However, they do have some decent bright spots with the likes of today’s starter Robbie Ray. Despite all the trade rumors surrounding him, Ray is having a solid season with a 9-6 record, 3.16 ERA, and 1.31 WHIP. He struggled with a 4.35 road ERA away from San Francisco compared to just a 2.22 ERA at home. He hasn’t faced the Padres this season, but he hasn’t performed well against them either. Collectively, San Diego hitters are batting .273 in 110 at-bats against him.
The San Diego Padres are still a winning team, but they’re also frustrating because their roster will produce much better results. The Padres are 55-53 overall, but considering all the names on this team, you have to think they’re underperforming. Their struggles are a little more obvious. Two of its most important pieces are outliving their years. Manny Machado is finally batting over .200 and Fernando Tatis Jr. has just eight homers. It also doesn’t help that a guy like Xander Bogaerts is only batting .218. Injuries were a problem, but the team could not reach the level they were capable of.
Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres celebrates hitting a home run in the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals on May 30, 2026 in Washington. (Daniel Kucin Jr./AP)
If the Padres can do this over the last two months, they will have most of the pieces needed to battle a team like the Dodgers. The problem is that this team looks set to limp to the finish line this season. The starter for tonight’s game is JP Sears, who has a 3.86 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. Sears has made just six appearances and five starts this year; This highlighted the injury problems in the team. Sears hasn’t pitched more than five starts this month, but the Padres bullpen is one of the best in the league.
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This will likely be Ray’s last start for the Giants. I have to imagine they sent it to a contestant. Sears has looked pretty good in a few of his games, but I think the team knows they have to run him through the opposing lineup twice and take him out of the game. I don’t have much of an opinion on the total because I think both teams can score or be stifled by their opponents. I’m putting the Padres in the running lane; I think they’re a better team, they have a better arena and Ray struggled away from home. Give me Padres -1.5 at +139.
San Diego Padres logo at St. Louis on April 3, 2024 in San Diego, California. It is on display at PETCO Park before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals. (Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
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(Note: The Padres are -157 on the moneyline, I try not to place a bet higher than -140, but if you’re more comfortable betting only on the Padres to win, do so.)
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Follow David on X/Twitter for more sports betting information and games: @futureprez2024
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