Emerging
Published Jun 18, 2026Updated Jun 181
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Giants Visit Braves in Thursday Matchup While Managing Extensive Injury Lists
The San Francisco Giants will attempt to extend their three-game winning streak against the first-place Atlanta Braves on Thursday evening in Atlanta. Both teams face significant injury challenges, with the Braves and Giants combining for 23 players on the injured list.
Quick Facts
- Giants attempt to extend three-game winning streak
- Teams meet for third time this season
- Braves have gone 4-6 in last 10 games
- Giants have gone 5-5 in last 10 games
- Matt Olson leads Braves with 20 home runs
The San Francisco Giants will attempt to extend their three-game winning streak when they visit the Atlanta Braves on Thursday at 7:15 p.m. EDT in Atlanta. The Giants, who are 31-43 overall and 17-23 on the road, face the first-place Braves who hold a 46-27 record and boast a 22-13 home mark. This matchup represents the third meeting between the teams this season.
Pitching matchups feature Giants right-hander Landen Roupp (5-7, 4.24 ERA) against Braves starter Martin Perez (5-3, 2.90 ERA). The betting line favors Atlanta at -145, with the Giants at +118, and the over/under set at 8 runs. Despite their first-place standing, the Braves have struggled recently, going 4-6 over their last 10 games with a .235 batting average and 4.54 ERA, outscored by nine runs during that span. The Giants have been more competitive, posting a 5-5 record over the same period with a .249 batting average and 4.05 ERA, though outscored by one run.
Offensively, both teams feature strong performers despite their respective standings. For Atlanta, Matt Olson leads the Braves with 20 home runs and a .552 slugging percentage, while Mauricio Dubon has excelled recently, going 11 for 39 with two home runs and seven RBIs over his last 10 games. San Francisco's Casey Schmitt has contributed 13 doubles, a triple, and 15 home runs, while Bryce Eldridge has posted 14 hits for 38 at-bats with two doubles and four home runs over his past 10 games. The Giants boast the second-best team batting average in MLB at .258, while the Braves rank fifth in the National League at .254.
Both teams are dealing with significant injury concerns heading into Thursday's contest. The Braves have 12 players on the injured list, including notable absences such as Ronald Acuña Jr. (10-Day IL, hamstring), Sean Murphy (60-Day IL, finger), and Spencer Strider (60-Day IL, elbow). The Giants similarly have 11 players unavailable, with key contributors including Harrison Bader (10-Day IL, plantar fasciitis), Tyler Mahle (15-Day IL, hamstring), and Heliot Ramos (10-Day IL, quadriceps). Both clubs will attempt to field competitive rosters despite these roster challenges.
Topics
Why This Matters
This matchup carries strategic importance as the Giants attempt to capitalize on momentum while facing the first-place Braves—a critical test for San Francisco's playoff hopes. Both teams' extensive injury lists (23 combined) will significantly impact roster composition and performance, making the availability of key contributors like Matt Olson and Casey Schmitt crucial to the outcome. Betting markets favor Atlanta, but the Giants' recent competitive form (5-5 in last 10 games) suggests closer parity than standings indicate, offering meaningful insight into actual team strength versus record.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireGiants vs. Braves game scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m. EDT in Atlanta