Honeymoons for managers in the 21st century only last the time it takes for someone to get their hands on Twitter, and social media retains its greatest regret for pitching moves that lag behind.
Gabe Kapler has made a lot of moves working over the first 17 games of the Giants. These are not usually noticed. If they do not work, a fire with five alarms breaks out. Kapler has also increased his share of it because his management has drawn so much attention from the Phillies’ employees.
In Sunday’s 6-2 loss at Dodger Stadium, which ruled the series, Kevin Gausman rolled into seventh in the best start by a Giants pitcher this season. He had a 2-0 lead and was able to allow two singles. He dropped his third, to Cody Bellinger, on a 99 mph fast ball. Gausman Kapler had to make a substitution after 80 minutes.
Tyler Rogers, returning to the mound after a great two innings in Saturday night’s win, allowed a Justin Turner single and knocked out Max Muncy before AJ Pollock hit a three-run homer on a curveball that essentially ruled it out .
Mookie Betts hit his own three-run homer a late later, off Shaun Anderson, to secure a Dodgers victory in the Rivals 2020 final meeting at Chavez Ravine. The Giants have played seven of their first 17 games there, 3-4.