Carlos Beltran's Health and 5 Questions Facing the San Francisco Giants

With the Arizona Diamondbacks only a half game back of the San Francisco Giants, playoffs are no guarantee. 

The defending World Series Champions are currently in their worst rut of the year. They have lost nine of their last eleven, although they do have an easier schedule going forward. 

Undoubtedly the Giants are in a good position to win the NL West, although they still have some unanswered questions that need to be addressed down the stretch. 

6) When Will Brandon Belt Contribute Again?

The question could be will Brandon Belt contribute again? I think he will get a chance. 

Aubrey Huff finally seems like he has it going, hitting .367 in August with two home runs and three RBI. 

The only reason Belt would come in to replace Huff is if Huff needs a day off or two. The Giants would like to see Belt get at-bats down in AAA. 

Left field has been a major question for the Giants, as you will see in a later slide, and Brandon Belt could possibly see some time there. 

Belt very well could be a September call-up. 

5) What to Do with Barry Zito?

Barry Zito has run his course in San Francisco, there is no doubt about that. 

The Giants have a few options when it comes to Barry Zito. 

Zito went 7.2 innings in his rehab start Monday and gave up three earned runs. 

If Jonathan Sanchez struggles, then Zito could find himself back in the Giants starting rotation. Even if Sanchez struggles, I would be surprised to see Zito back in the rotation. 

Zito could be off to the bullpen to provide an extra lefty arm, or be a long relief guy. 

There are Giants fans who would love for the Giants to cut or place Zito on waivers. With the money that would be lost in such a transaction, don't get your hopes up. 

4) Who Will Emerge in Left Field?

Nate Schierholtz has proven with his cannon that he has one of the best outfield arms in the league. 

Schierholtz is the obvious favorite to start in left field, although his small slump after the Beltran trade placed that in question. Nate the great is hitting .353 in August thus far, and busted out for a 3-4 against the Pirates Tuesday night. 

Cody Ross has seemingly fallen out of the spotlight as of late as he ended July with a .193 average. His .217 average thus far in August isn't helping his cause.

Ross does have one more home run than Schierholtz, but Nate beats Cody outright with his fielding and average. 

3) Will Andres Torres Get Things Going?

After hitting .160 in June, there was plenty to worry about when it came to Andres Torres. 

Torres picked it up in July hitting .260 and is currently hitting only .200 in August. 

Andres Torres could be subjected to sitting on the bench if he cannot pick it up. 

Torres' speed and ability to get on base is essential to the Giants success. His .318 OBP is simply not good enough for the Giants to make a deep playoff run. 

2) Can Jonathan Sanchez Be Consistent?

This has always been the glaring question when it comes to Jonathan Sanchez. We all know Sanchez is an extremely talented pitcher, but he hasn't always been consistent. 

Sanchez was rocked by the Phillies in his return, going 4.2 innings and allowing 7 hits, 5 ER, 2 HR, and 2 BB as he struck out four. 

In the first few innings, it appeared that Jonathan Sanchez was back to form. The fourth inning tore up Sanchez as he allowed four runs and then another in the fifth inning. 

If Jonathan Sanchez continues to struggle, then Barry Zito may get another shot at the rotation. If Sanchez can pitch like he did for the first three innings against the Phillies, then he could be a big contributor in the Giants rotation. 

1) Can Carlos Beltran Stay Healthy?

One of the main reasons people disliked the Carlos Beltran trade was because of his health issues. 

Beltran had been able to stay healthy all year until this wrist injury. While Beltran should be back on Friday, any time missed by Beltran dilutes his trade value. 

The Giants are 3-9 since the Beltran trade, and nearly everyone expected instant results from Beltran and the Giants. 

Carlos is in a contract year, and if he fails to stay healthy that will surely hurt his odds at getting a big contract during the offseason. Beltran will do everything in his power to help the Giants go deep into the playoffs.