OAKLAND–The Giants have one of the highest payrolls in baseball this season as they’re brushing up close to the $197 million luxury tax threshold thanks to an extensive list of bloated contracts.
But as the club started the second half in Oakland, their 5-1 win over the A’s was all about money found instead of money spent.
The Giants are paying pitcher Dereck Rodríguez and utility infielder Pablo Sandoval the major league minimum, but both turned in efficient performances to lead the team to a series-opening victory.
Rodríguez tossed 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball, lowering his season ERA to 2.