Denny Bautista should not be with the Giants right now.
The acquisitions of 2 relievers before the trade deadline eliminates the Giants' need for Bautista. And he has two eminent weaknesses: his high BB rate, and his high flyball rate.
In just 32 innings of work this year, Bautista has walked 26 for an incredibly high 7.31 BB/9. He is an inconsistent pitcher who can come in and strike out the side, but more often, will come in and walk the first two batters he faces. He walked 1 in 1.2 innings today.
In Bautista's 1.2 innings pitched, he also gave up 3 hits, 2 of which were home runs. This should come as no surprise given Bautista's high flyball rate: 57% of contact made against him comes via the flyball. For comparison's sake, Trevor Hoffman, who has given up 8 home runs in 34 innings of work, has a similar flyball rate, 56%.
If Bautista is just being used to eat up innings, then he should be replaced with Casilla, who is slightly better.
The Giants have their righty specialist, Ramon Ramirez, and lefty specialist, Javier Lopez. Romo is a good setup man for now, Brian Wilson a great closer. Chris Ray can come in anywhere else, and occasionally Mota and Casilla can be trusted to get the job done. There's really no need for Denny Bautista, though, especially once Affeldt and Runzler return, and if Dontrelle Willis is called up to the majors. The Giants have no use for a right-handed reliever who lacks control.
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The Giants will now start a 4-game series at Atlanta, a team that has a 36-14 record at home. This will prove challenging, as they face Jurrjens, Hanson, Hudson, and Lowe. It should be an interesting series as the Giants could potentially face the Braves in the playoffs. They'll send Lincecum, Zito, Cain and Sanchez to the mound.
Probable Pitchers
