Susan Slusser

The San Francisco Giants are still in contention for a playoff spot despite recent scuffles. But what might Buster Posey do to strengthen his team’s hand? sfchronicle.com/sports/giants/…

Hayden Birdsong’s season reached a new low Monday as he was pulled in the first inning of a 9-5 loss to the Braves after allowing four walks, a 3-run double and hitting a batter. sfchronicle.com/sports/giants/…

From @scottostler Sunday’s ball-strike calls in Giants game are why robo umps can’t get here soon enough sfchronicle.com/sports/ostler/… via @sfchronicle

The Giants are swept in Toronto with an 8-6 loss. That's a season-high five game losing streak.

Lee back in the leadoff spot Jung Hoo Lee (L) – CF Heliot Ramos – LF Rafael Devers (L) – DH Willy Adames – SS Mike Yastrzemski (L) – RF Matt Chapman – 3B Dominic Smith (L) – 1B Brett Wisely (L) – 2B Andrew Kniznzer – C   Robbie Ray – LHP

“At the moment it felt great, like maybe it could start something going... But unfortunately we couldn’t back Webby up. It’s been a little tough, obviously, to start the break 0-2." Toronto is tough and the Giants are still no good against lefties: sfchronicle.com/sports/giants/…

I’m so sorry to see that A’s scout Jeff Bittiger has died, age 63. He was a superb area scout mostly in NJ, signed onetime AL Rookie of the Year Andrew Bailey among others. A treat to talk to and encyclopedic knowledge of players.

Jerar Encarnacion is transferring his rehab from AZ to Sacramento, he’ll play in Sac today. Christian Koss will likely start his rehab next week. Erik Miller will starting a throwing program in AZ tomorrow.

And it’ll go Birdsong, Roupp after.

Giants probables: Friday 7.18 – RHP Justin Verlander (0-7, 4.70) Saturday 7.19 – RHP Logan Webb (9-6, 2.94)   Sunday 7.20 – LHP Robbie Ray (9-3, 2.65)

Giants list Justin Verlander as Friday’s starter at Toronto. Nothing beyond that.

Also in this story: issues in Sac, including foul poles/camera placements for replays; and....Bay Area expansion? Maybe?

Plus - full breakdown of the non traditional portion: A’s Brent Rooker welcomed the chance to do double All-Star HR derby duty, how confused most players were according to Robbie Ray and why Logan Webb wants this for all extra inning games: sfchronicle.com/sports/giants/… @sfchronicle

Giants ace Logan Webb makes good in his second All-Star Game appearance and much more from the traditional part of today’s festivities, yesterday’s if you’re here in ATL: sfchronicle.com/sports/giants/… via @sfchronicle

Robbie Ray says the NL players learned the HR Derby was a possibility with two outs in the ninth when Dave Roberts said “hey you guys aren’t going to believe this but..”

SCHWARBER 3-FOR-3!!!!