San Francisco Giants rumor roundup: New trade target, Pence/Cain/Peavy injury updates, Heston/Vogelsong rotation status, top picks sign deals

Jun 26, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Mike Leake (44) pitches during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants are keeping with their hot and cold trend in 2015, dropping five of their last six to cap off a San Francisco franchise record nine-game home losing streak.

Why so cold of late? Well, it’s not easy missing four key players from the roster at the same time, especially when one of them is a middle-of-the-order contributor. The absence of Hunter Pence has really taken a toll on a lineup that looks like it’s turned the clock back to April—you know, the month the Giants forgot they could score runs?

I kid, I kid. While Pence’s injury news isn’t too encouraging, the latest updates on the team’s other wounded soldiers is markedly positive.

Elsewhere, there have been plenty of other intriguing developments. A new Reds hurler has entered the trade discussion, the team’s backend starters are in competition to stay in the rotation, and the Giants’ early-round draft picks are getting set to sign on the dotted line.

Want to know more? Let’s get to it.

Next: On to trade target