Mahle worked around some trouble in each of the first four innings with the help of a pair of double plays. The Giants would finally get to him in the fifth, bringing two runs in to score on two base hits and a double. Mahle scattered eight hits in all, striking out only one batter. The 30-year-old right-hander will take a 1.14 ERA, 0.98 WIHP, and a 26/13 K/BB ratio across 31 2/3 innings into a start against the Athletics in Texas on Thursday.

The game was still scoreless when Mahle departed, so he wasn’t rewarded for his fourth consecutive excellent effort. Mahle got five outs in the first start of the year against Boston, but he’s allowed just one run in 25 innings since. It was mostly about soft contact today, as he wound up with four strikeouts and just six missed swings. He’ll be a decent mixed-league option in his start in San Francisco against the Giants next weekend.

Mahle’s excellent start to the season continued Tuesday with six shutout innings against the Angels. He scattered three hits and two walks, striking out nine batters on an impressive 18 whiffs. The 30-year-old right-hander will take a 0.92 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and a 21/9 K/BB ratio across 19 2/3 innings into a tough matchup against the Dodgers in Texas on Sunday. While his next matchup presents a risky stream, Mahle certainly deserves a pickup where available.

This was Mahle’s second straight impressive start. He battled the cold and wind at Wrigley Field to stymie the Cubs’ lineup and complete seven innings for the first time since his complete game shutout on June 14th, 2022. That was a lifetime ago and more than anything else, it’s great to see Mahle healthy, effective, and working his way up to a season-high 94 pitches. His fastball lived in the top of the zone and while not forcing many swings-and-misses, the Cubs were under it all game and hit a heap of lazy fly balls. It should be noted his velocity was inconsistent over the course of this game, but the weather could’ve had a lot to do with that. He’ll look to keep building momentum in his next scheduled start against the Angels.