The San Francisco Giants are urging at this point in the season with one of the best pitching rotations in the league. Despite one injuries hitting starters early, the Giants are getting relief as some players are getting healthy to begin the summer stretch. That will be tested as they face off against the Dodgers.
The Giants might be losing Brandon Belt for some time, but Matt Cain is coming off on Saturday as his first start back is against the Dodgers. Right now, the Giants are in first place with a rotation putting up a 3.01 ERA while going 2.28 against the Dodgers. Madison Bumgarner helped that effort on Friday after holding Los Angeles to just one run over eight innings in the 3-1 win.
The Giants have now won their last 12 of 15 games, but fear that could be over as Belt heads to the DL. The first baseman broke his thumb while in the midst of leading the National League with nine home runs, batting .264 with 18 RBI. Now he will be out at least six weeks, but the pitching staff appears to be making up for that.
Cain returns to the mound after slicing his finger making a sandwich. He is 0-3 with a 4.65 ERA on the season. His winless streak is mainly due to lack of run support as the Giants have combined for just six runs in his last four outings. In his last start against the Dodgers, he gave up two home runs in six innings. Matt Kemp is 4 for 11 with three homers in his career against the Dodgers.
Zach Greinke gets the start for the Dodgers. The pitcher is 5-1 with a 2.35 ERA on the season. When facing Cain he allowed two runs in six innings. The Dodgers like to hit against Cain. Puig is 3 for 8 with a home run and two doubles against Cain. the Dodgers have the hot bats and hope to use that to their advantage.
