That deficit could lengthen unless the Giants starters' stamina does the same. Abbreviated outings from the rotation inevitably force relievers to work overtime and waste outstanding individual efforts such as the one that shortstop Brandon Crawford delivered.
"You have to be a little concerned," said Giants manager Bruce Bochy, abandoning his imperturbable calm ever so slightly.
When the starters struggle to this extent, the club repeatedly plays from behind, which is stressful. The manager can't assign relievers to their proper roles, because so many games force all hands on deck.
"We're at a point where we can't use who's available," Bochy said.