San Francisco Giants: 3 biggest stars of the past week

In a new weekly feature here at Around the Foghorn, each Monday afternoon we’ll highlight the San Francisco Giants three biggest stars from the previous week.

The San Francisco Giants turned in a strong showing this past week, sweeping a quick two-game series with the San Diego Padres before taking two of three from the Milwaukee Brewers over the weekend.

There were more than a few bright spots in what was one of the better weeks of a trying season, and ahead we have highlighted the three biggest standouts.

3. RF Kevin Pillar, San Francisco Giants

Stats: 7-for-17, 1 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R, 2 SB

As a whole, the Kevin Pillar trade has been a disappointment.

His defense has declined to the point that moving him from center field to right field in favor of Steven Duggar became a no-brainer. With more pressure now placed on his offensive game, he has hit just .239/.267/.397 for a 75 OPS+ in 247 plate appearances since joining the Giants.

However, last week, he was dialed in at the plate.

He hit his seventh home run of the season on Wednesday, then went 3-for-3 with another home run and two runs scored on Friday.

The 30-year-old wrapped up the team’s three-game series against the Brewers at 6-for-12 with one double, one home run and four RBI.

2. SP Shaun Anderson, San Francisco Giants

Stats: 1 GS, W, 6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K

The early returns from rookie right-hander Shaun Anderson have been one of the biggest bright spots in the early going this season.

The 24-year-old has now made six starts at the MLB level, posting a 3.97 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 22 strikeouts in 34 innings of work.

One of the best performances of his young career came on Wednesday against the Padres.

He allowed just four hits and two earned runs over six innings for his third quality start of the year.

He used an efficient 88 pitches to get through six innings, before turning things over to the trio of Sam Dyson, Tony Watson and Will Smith who closed things out with three scoreless innings.

1. RP Will Smith, San Francisco Giants

Stats: 4 G, 4/4 SV, 4.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K

The Giants won four games last week and Will Smith recorded a save in each of them.

The 29-year-old has converted 18-of-18 save chances with a 2.20 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and an impressive 42 strikeouts in 28.2 innings over 29 appearances.

His time on the Giants roster may be ticking to a close with the July 31 trade deadline rapidly approaching, as he figures to be one of the most sought after players on the market.

For now, the ability to hold onto leads is one of the team’s biggest strengths, and Smith is the clear leader of a rock-solid relief corps.

So there you have it, the three biggest stars of the past week for the San Francisco Giants. Check back here each Monday for a fresh version of this article.