Giants Pitching Staff Faces Key Injuries, Mets Maintain Five-Man Rotation

The San Francisco Giants are facing continued challenges with their pitching staff, as starter Landen Roupp was injured again after recently returning from the injured list and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Fellow starter Kai-Wei Teng has struggled with an 8.78 ERA and inconsistent command, putting his spot in the rotation in jeopardy. Meanwhile, the New York Mets are opting to maintain their five-man rotation despite a taxing schedule, with pitchers like Kodai Senga expected to pitch on four days' rest for the first time this year; the Mets are reluctant to add a sixth starter, believing their current rotation is responding well despite some recent struggles. Mets' closer Ryan Helsley, acquired at the trade deadline, has had a difficult season with a 7.11 ERA but could be a target for the Baltimore Orioles, who lost their closer Felix Bautista to surgery. In the American League East, the Toronto Blue Jays lead their division and are making rotation adjustments to accommodate Shane Bieber's return from Tommy John surgery, moving Eric Lauer to the bullpen despite his strong recent performance, a decision that has puzzled observers given struggles from other starters. These developments highlight the ongoing difficulties and strategic choices MLB teams are making as the season progresses toward the playoffs.