31-year old lefty starting pitcher had been a disappointment his first 2.5 seasons with the Giants but he’s stepping up now when they need him the most. Zito started six games this month and he was 3-1 with a 1.93 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. If Zito can finish the season strongly working behind Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain the Giants will have a good chance of making the playoffs in the National League. Zito’s season numbers are also starting to look decent as he has started 27 games for the Giants and he is 9-11 with a 3.94 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP.

36-year old righty starting pitcher Ramon Ortiz could be a wild card for the Giants later this season. He has pitched in 28 games (9 starts) in AAA-ball this season and he is 4-2 with a 2.76 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. He has whiffed 78 batters in 81 2/3 innings which shows he still has something left. Ortiz last pitched in the major leagues during the 2007 season with the Twins and Rockies. He has now pitched in 258 games (210 starts) in his 9-year major league career and he is 84-80 with a 4.90 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP. It’s possible that the Giants could recall Ortiz soon if he keeps pitching well.