The All-Star break is an abbreviated one for the Giants, who are one of eight teams that open the second half on Thursday, rather than Friday, with a four-game set with the Dodgers. Playing the first games at Dodger Stadium since the midsummer classic, they could use whatever pixie dust Julio Rodríguez left lying around if they’re going to catch the Dodgers, who sit 12.5 games ahead in the standings.
The Giants likely played themselves out of the division race in a three-week span from June 19-July 8. During that stretch, they went 4-14 while the Dodgers went 15-5, turning a 3.0-game differential into a double-digit deficit. However, the Giants are well within striking distance of the National League wild card, thanks to a 7-2 run to end the first half.
With an additional playoff spot this season, the Giants are primarily battling Atlanta (56-38, +6.5 games), San Diego (52-42, +2.5 games), Philadelphia (49-43, +0.5 games) and St. Louis (50-44, +0.5 games) for three wild card bids. In a new postseason format this season, the three wild card teams and the lowest-seeded division winner will face off in a three-game series to begin the playoffs.
