Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Giants, Padres, Rockies: NL West June check-in

At 29-30 and 5.5 games back, the San Francisco Giants lead the list of teams that are, for whatever reason, on the outside looking in. 17-12 in May, the Giants feature a streaky lineup that, due to its long ball ability, can put up runs in a hurry, and also one of the best young pitchers in baseball and a pretty good bullpen. They are also, however, 19-20 against sub .500 teams, and that’s not going to get it done in this division.

At just 26 years old, Logan Webb is entering his third full MLB season and has yet to toss 200 frames in a season, but leads the National League this year with 79 innings to date. He was 3-0 in his five starts last month, but got just 12 supporting runs in those games, and is 4-6 on the year despite carrying a 2.85 ERA and 1.03 WHIP while posting the lowest walk rates of his career. Surrounded in the rotation by a couple of inconsistent pitchers in Anthony DeSclafani and Alex Cobb, along with the streaky lineup, there is potential for things to go south more often than not. DeSclafani was 3-3 last month, but was 2-3 through his first five starts with just nine supporting runs before the Giants erupted for 14 against the Pirates on May 29. He also allowed 43 baserunners across 37.1 innings, so it can’t all be on the offense.

Alex Cobb is actually enjoying a nice season, and was 3-1 in his May starts, but injuries to Ross Stripling and Alex Wood are going to lead to more starts for Sean Manaea and Jakob Junis while most Giants fans are probably just waiting to see what Kyle Harrison can offer to the big club.