This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/giants as Giants Downplay Injury To Landen Roupp, Say Elbow Issue Is 'Pretty Minor'. The San Francisco Giants were dealt a tough blow.

SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants’ rotation took a hit when the team optioned Hayden Birdsong to Triple-A Sacramento following the worst start of his career. On Friday, that unit took another blow.

With the trade deadline approaching on July 31, the Giants already had a clear need in their rotation. That pursuit now comes with flashing red emergency lights. Landen Roupp was put on the IL on Friday with right elbow inflammation,

The righty has a 3.11 ERA in 20 starts and had become the team's most reliable starter after All-Stars Logan Webb and Robbie Ray.

Cole Waites hasn't pitched in a baseball game since late 2023. That changed Thursday night, when he began a rehab assignment at the San Francisco Giants' complex in Arizona. Waites is trying to complete the long road back from Tommy John surgery.

Ahead of the Mets visiting Oracle Park over the weekend, the Giants are down one of their most reliable starters with Landed Roupp on the IL.

Logan Webb is striking batters out now, but Justin Verlander is struggling and the Giants are relying on two rookies in the rotation. And did you see this business about Rafael Devers being on the team now?

Giants pitchers have a collective 3.47 ERA, which leads the NL. Philadelphia has a 53-37 record overall and a 23-21 record in road games. The Phillies have a 24-12 record in games when they did ...