ATLANTA–The last time Madison Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto were both on the disabled list, Chris Stratton thrived as the Giants interim ace.
Three weeks ago, Bumgarner was out with a fractured pinky finger and Cueto was sidelined due to a sprained ankle. With Jeff Samardzija still on the disabled list, Stratton was forced to the top of the Giants’ rotation.
He pitched like he belonged there.
Against an underwhelming San Diego Padres lineup, Stratton set a new career-high with seven innings and allowed just one hit as he bullied his way through a division foe and helped the Giants secure a series-opening victory.